Well Known Boulder Athlete Killed in Hit & Run

Intersection's Second Car vs. Bike Fatality in Two Years

U.S. 36 and Violet Avenue north of Boulder is quickly gaining a reputation of being a very dangerous intersection.

Acclaimed Boulder athlete Terence "T.J." Doherty passed away Tuesday after being struck while bicycling at the intersection Sunday afternoon. He was 32.

Doherty, originally from Ohio moved to Boulder to fulfill a dream of teaching high school Spanish. He had spent time in Madrid finishing his masters degree in Spanish. He also met his fiancee there.

His budding life was tragically cut short when a Volvo driven by Kirk Condon, 59, took a left on to Violet Ave from U.S. 36, striking Doherty on his bicycle, Colorado State Patrol said. Condon apparently did not see Doherty coming according to Colorado State Patrol. He was cited for suspicion of careless driving.

The accident is a haunting reminder of a similar crash that took place at the same intersection in September 2009. Casey Najera was eastbound on 36 when a vehicle turned left onto Violet causing a collision. Najera was killed, and the driver who was charged in his death claimed she did not see Najera

Doherty will be honored Wednesday in Boulder with a tribute run. The run is open to the public, and those interested are encouraged to show up early to ensure proper registration. The event will begin at Boulder Running Co., 2775 Pearl Street, at 6pm. There will be three and six mile routes available. 

For a more personal, reflective piece cherishing the life of T.J. Doherty, please visit Training On Empty's beautifully well written memorial.

If you are injured in a hit and run crash, or any car accident in the greater Denver area, please call the Law Offices of Robert Paysinger at (303) 279-0221 for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - It's all we do!