An Idaho motorcyclist remains in St. Anthony Hospital in Denver after losing her foot and a portion of her leg in an accident last weekend.
The womans name is not being released pending a Colorado State Patrol investigation. She was northbound on U.S. Highway 491 near Cahone when she crossed a double yellow line in an effort to pass, said Trooper Jose Blundell of the Colorado State Patrol. An oncoming pickup truck swerved to miss the motorcycle but clipped a trailer being towed by the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist was ejected and skidded north in the southbound lane, Blundell said. Besides a mangled leg, she sustained injuries to her vertebra, jaw, hand and eye.
Her helmet might have saved her life, Blundell said, adding the helmet was cracked. This could be a warning to those out there to wear a helmet.
The pickup truck rolled after overcorrecting. The two occupants were transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital. Their names and conditions are not being released until the investigation is completed.
The accident could have been avoided had the motorcyclist not attempted to pass in a no-passing zone, Blundell said.
This is the third area accident involving a motorcycle this month. Richard E. James, 54, of Mancos, was killed Aug. 5 on the Mesa Verde overpass of U.S. Highway 160 when a sport utility vehicle from California ran a stop sign and struck him broadside. Bronson Hathcock, 19, of Arizona, was treated and released after crashing his motorcycle Aug. 13 on U.S. Highway 160 at the crest of Mancos Hill.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.