Motorcyclist killed in Highway 82 crash near Carbondale

A Grand Junction man was killed and a woman was seriously injured Sunday in a two-vehicle crash that closed Highway 82 near Carbondale for nearly four hours, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

Troopers responded at about 12:20 p.m. to the crash near mile marker 12, north of Carbondale.

The initial investigation found that a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was traveling west in the center turn lane when it attempted to turn left into a private driveway, the State Patrol said.

The truck entered the eastbound lane in front of an approaching Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The front of the motorcycle struck the passenger side of the truck, ejecting the rider and passenger.

The motorcycle rider, a 53-year-old Grand Junction man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name had not been released as of Monday.

The passenger, a 56-year-old Grand Junction woman, was transported to Valley View Hospital with serious injuries.

The Silverado driver, a 77-year-old Carbondale man, was not injured and was not transported to a hospital.

All lanes of Highway 82 were initially closed following the crash. The highway reopened at about 4:03 p.m., approximately three hours and 43 minutes after troopers responded.

The crash remains under investigation by the State Patrol’s Vehicular Crimes Unit.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information and has not spoken with investigators is asked to call State Patrol dispatch at 970-249-4392 and reference case No. VC260264. Callers should leave their contact information so an investigator can return their call.