A deadly hit-and-run crash on Sunday left a motorcyclist dead and a passenger injured at the intersection of East Iliff Avenue and South Idalia Street in Aurora, authorities said. First responders pronounced the rider dead at the scene and rushed the passenger to a nearby hospital, where officials say the passenger is listed in stable condition. The intersection stayed shut down for hours while investigators mapped the scene, photographed the wreckage and collected evidence.
The collision involved a stolen motorcycle and a Honda CR-V that took off from the scene, according to 9News. Officers later found the CR-V unoccupied a short distance away, investigators told the station, and police said they are examining whether speed played a role in the crash.
Police Ask for Witnesses and Video
The Aurora Police Traffic Section is leading the case and is urging anyone who saw the wreck, or who has dash-cam or home-surveillance footage from the area, to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867), or by calling Aurora non-emergency dispatch at 303-627-3100, according to the Aurora Police.
Victim Identities and What Happens Next
Officials have not yet released the names of the rider who was killed or the injured passenger, pending notification of relatives, the department told 9News. Investigators with the Aurora Police Traffic Section say they plan to submit their findings to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office if the evidence supports potential criminal charges.
Why Speed Is Under the Microscope
Speed does more than get drivers from point A to point B faster, it sharply increases crash forces and cuts the time people have to react, which is why investigators routinely look at speed after deadly collisions. Federal traffic data from the NHTSA show speeding is a frequent contributing factor in fatal crashes and is disproportionately present in deadly motorcycle collisions.
Legal Implications
Under Colorado law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death can trigger serious felony charges. C.R.S. 42-4-1601 classifies leaving the scene of an accident involving death as a class 3 felony and allows for license revocation if a driver is convicted. Prosecutors would decide whether to file charges once investigators identify a suspect and present the evidence.
Aurora police say the investigation remains active and are again asking anyone with information or video that might help to contact the Aurora Police Traffic Section or submit an anonymous tip to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers. Officials have not released any additional details about the crash.
