On May 6th, 2021, at approximately 1:18 p.m., Aurora Police Officers responded to a motorcycle crash on East Yale Avenue at South Truckee Street.

The initial investigation revealed an adult male motorcyclist was traveling northbound on South Ventura Street through a sharp westbound curve onto East Yale Avenue. While traveling in the curve, the motorcyclist attempted to pass a vehicle by entering the eastbound oncoming lanes of traffic of East Yale Avenue. The motorcyclist was then struck by an oncoming vehicle traveling eastbound on East Yale Avenue at South Truckee Street.

Neither the driver nor occupants of the vehicle were injured. The driver of the vehicle did remain on scene. Drugs, alcohol nor speed are considered factors leading to the crash by the driver of the involved vehicle. 

The overtaking of the vehicle on a sharp curve by the motorcyclist led to the crash. Additionally, the motorcyclist’s helmet was strapped to the motorcycle, and therefore not being worn at the time of the crash. At this time the investigation is still active and ongoing, and it is not yet known whether speed, alcohol or drugs were also contributing factors.

The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. His identity will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and next of kin have been notified. 

The cause of this crash is under investigation by the Aurora Police Traffic Investigations Unit. Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to call police.  

This is the second traffic fatality this month in Aurora involving a motorcyclist. Since 2015, nearly half of all motorcycle accidents in Aurora resulted in the motorcyclist sustaining injuries or worse.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the riding season is upon us. Please check your blind spots for motorcycles, look twice before pulling into the roadway, and remove all distractions while driving. Motorcyclists should do the same. Additionally, wearing glasses, helmets and gloves will help protect the body. If you are an inexperienced motorcyclist seek training schools to strengthen your ability to ride safe.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095