A motorcyclist from Durango died following a crash Sunday afternoon, according to the Pagosa Springs Police Department.
"The Pagosa Springs Police Department is deeply saddened to report a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred yesterday evening on Highway 160 at Talisman Drive," a press release from Police Chief William Rockensock states.
According to the press release, at approximately 2:36 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, a motorcycle driving westbound on U.S. 160 collided with a vehicle that was making a U-turn on U.S. 160 from Talisman Drive.
"Despite the immediate response from emergency medical personnel, the motorcyclist, identified as a 55-year-old male from Durango, Colorado, was pronounced deceased at the scene," the press release states, adding his name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The vehicle, a 2017 Buick, driven by 63-year-old Carlos Gutierrez from Evans, Colo., made a left U-turn across the westbound lane of U.S. 160, where prohibited, placing the vehicle directly in the path of the approaching motorcycle., the press release explains.
Gutierrez and a passenger in the vehicle were not injured in the accident, it notes.
Gutierrez was charged with making a U-turn where prohibited and careless driving causing death, according to the press release.
"This is a tragic incident that underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution while driving," the press release states, adding, "We urge all drivers to be vigilant and prioritize safety on our roads."
The Pagosa Springs Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information related to the incident to contact the department at (970) 264-4151.
