Motorcyclist hospitalized with ‘serious injuries’ following crash near Aspen

A 79-year-old motorcyclist suffered serious injuries on Wednesday following a collision with a Ford F-150 on Colorado Highway 82 near Aspen.

According to the preliminary police report, the motorcyclist, a man from Grand Junction, was turning left from Smith Hill Way onto Highway 82, preparing to drive upvalley. He pulled out in front of the Ford, which was traveling downvalley, causing the truck to swerve. 

The front left side of the Ford, driven by a 29-year-old from Parachute, collided with the motorcyclist on the left rear side of the bike. The motorcycle came to rest on the left shoulder of the highway facing south, and the Ford came to rest on the right shoulder of the highway facing north, according to the report. The crash occurred at 2:15 p.m. near milepost 34. 

The 79-year-old motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital following the collision.

Colorado State Trooper Gabriel Moltrer said police rate injuries on a five tiered scale ranging from minor, moderate, serious, life threatening, and fatal. Police classified the 79-year-old’s injuries as serious.

The 29-year-old driving the Ford was not injured, according to the report. He was wearing a seatbelt, and the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.

The motorcyclist was found to be the at-fault vehicle by Colorado State Patrol. He was charged with failing to yield right-of-way when turning in front of approaching traffic. The 29-year-old did not receive a citation.

More detailed information won’t be released until the investigating trooper files a final report.

Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.