2 killed in separate Colorado Springs crashes
It was a fatal weekend on the roads in Colorado Springs; two separate crashes claimed the lives of 29-year-old Nathaniel Thomas and an 11-year-old boy since Friday.
Colorado Springs police say this part of the year between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days”.
Both tragedies hit close to home and have police reminding drivers and riders about what they need to do to stay safe.
“My little sister knew him better because they went to school together. But he was always at our home playing around and stuff. He was a good kid,” said Kevin Gonzales, a family friend of the young boy killed Saturday night.
Now he’s sharing his message to drivers.
“I just want to let people know to follow traffic signs, traffic rules. Make sure to be 100% focused when on the open the rode because you never know what could come your way,” he said.
Police say a car was driving south on Academy when a motorized bike going west on Pace Drive ran a red light.
The biker, identified as an 11-year-old boy, died at the scene.
“Be aware of your surroundings, drive defensively, look out for your fellow citizens.”
Now Lt. Jim Sokolik with Colorado Springs police is reminding drivers to be vigilant.
“It’s summertime, the weather is nice, school’s out, we just have a lot more traffic, foot traffic, bicycle traffic, a lot more motorcycle traffic with the good weather,” said Sokolik.
Late Friday, another crash claimed a life on Voyager and Ridgeline in Colorado Springs. A pickup truck, driven by Gregory Sundgaard, turned in front of two motorcycles.
One of the riders, Nathaniel Thomas, died at the scene. Now, at least two families are in mourning.
“I mean it’s tough, especially for the families. A lot of people were expecting them to come back home from work or hanging out and all of a sudden they’re gone,” Gonzalez said.
Their friends are now to forced to speak on their behalf.
Sundgaard, the driver in Friday night’s crash, was arrested for DUI and now faces vehicular homicide charges.
We’re still waiting to hear back on the names of the victim and driver in Saturday night’s crash.
