Mountain Biker Dies In Biking Accident

CORTEZ, Colo. (AP) -- Authorities say a Mancos man killed in a mountain biking accident on Monday near Cortez was the victim of a tragic accident.

The Durango Herald reported that Steven Ludemann, 66, died while riding the popular Phil's World trail system east of Cortez.

Lt. Detective Ted Meador with the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office says Ludemann was an avid mountain biker. He said the cause of the accident was unknown.

Meador said the accident took place on a steep dip on the trail. The coroner conducted an autopsy Tuesday afternoon and said the cause of death was serious injury to the spinal cord. Ludemann was wearing a helmet.

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