Bicycle vs. Car Accident Leaves Cyclist Dead in Lyons

Driver of Car Cited for Careless Driving, DUI, Vehicular Homicide

Patrick Ward

A Lyons man has been charged with several crimes in the death of a cyclist in Lyons, Colorado in an SUV vs bicycle accident.

Patrick Ward, 69, had apparently made comments at previous town meetings about his disdain for the growing number of cyclists in the community. He was charged with suspicion of vehicular homicide, DUI, careless driving resulting in death, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Ward was apparently driving the wrong way down Main Street in Lyons when he struck and killed 46-year-old Michel Van Duym. Police have noted that it is possible Ward was making a left hand turn at the time of the accident.

Statements made by Ward at the Lyons Planning and Community Development Commission demonstrated his concern for the cyclists in the community. "These people don't belong in Lyons. They certainly don't belong in the foothills around Lyons."

Prosecutor Bruce Langer offered some insight into the severity of the situation. "This is a very serious charge," he said. "Someone lost their life."

Van Duym was a well respected and friendly businessman in the Lyons area. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was the associate director of business development for GHX, a healthcare supply company based in Louisville. 

If you are injured in a car vs bicycle accident, or are involved in a possible wrongful death case, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: Driver arrested after bicyclist killed by SUV in Lyons, Driver arrested in cyclist's death had complained bicyclists 'don't belong' in Lyons, Driver held on $25K bond after Boulder cyclist struck, killed by SUV in Lyons

Police Chase In Thornton Leads to Crash, Injuries

6 People Hurt In High Speed Chase

Police in Thornton have arrested a suspect in a stolen vehicle-turned car chase last Thursday, an incident that ended in an unfortunate crash with another vehicle.

The chase began at approximately 5:15 am, when Northglenn police officers were chasing a suspected stolen vehicle. The pursuit led officers into Thornton, where Thornton police joined the chase. The suspect eventually ran a red light during the chase and collided with another car the intersection of Thornton Parkway and Washington Street. 

The suspect, driving the purported stolen vehicle, attempted to the flee the scene despite his injuries. He was later apprehended and taken to an area hospital. Three passengers in the suspected stolen vehicle also injured and hospitalized. 

Two people from the vehicle not involved in the chase were also taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

If you are injured in a car accident in the greater Denver metro area, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: Photos: Six people hurt in Thornton crash after Northglenn police chase alleged car thief, Police chase ends in crash, rollover

Fatal Accident In Aurora Leaves 2 Dead

Infant, Grandfather Killed in Crash

Two people died in an Aurora auto accident last Sunday, and the culpability for the crash has yet to be determined by police officers.

A pickup truck and a burgundy GMC SUV collided on the 17th Pl. bridge off of Fitzsimmons Parkway in Aurora.

The teenage driver and occupants of the pickup truck were not injured and did not seek medical attention. However, two of the the people in the GMC were killed, and the third was in critical condition at an area hospital.

Katalay Ramerez-Cespedes, the baby, and Jaime Humberto Ramerez-Lopez, 40, were killed as a result of the accident. Ramerez-Lopez was the driver of the vehicle and also the baby's grandfather. 

"The light pole and the abutment cause severe damage to the left side of the SUV. It appears that is what killed the driver - and adult male - and a small child in the seat directly behind the driver," opined Lt. Jeff Turner of the Aurora Police Department.

The sole survivor from the SUV, Ramerez-Cespedes' grandmother, was listen in critical condition after the crash. Police have indicated that she is expected to survive.

"It's a tragedy, it's too bad. Obviously a mistake by one of them, and it's very costly," Turner added.

Determining fault for the accident has been a challenge for police officers. The teenage driver of the pickup truck indicated that he had a green light. However, police are actively seeking a potential witness in this case, whom they hope will come forward with relevant information. 

The witness was described as a Spanish-speaking woman. Anyone with information about this witness or the crash itself is encouraged to contact Detective Terry Allen with the Aurora Police Department at (303) 739-6351.

Initial indications by police revealed that the child may not have been properly restrained within the vehicle. Subsequent reports have dispelled those claims, as it appears the child was in fact secured properly.

If you are injured in an auto accident in the greater Denver Metro area, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: 2 Dead After Car Wreck At Aurora Intersection