Brighton Police Investigate Deadly Crash After Driver Hits Car, Fence & Shed

BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Brighton are investigating a deadly crash after a man driving an SUV struck a car that hit another car, hit a fence, light pole and a shed before finally coming to a stop.

Officers rushed to the residential neighborhood in the 1600 block of Southern Street just before noon. When they arrived they discovered three vehicles involved in an accident which also left debris strewn along four blocks.

Police said William Lemke was driving west bound in the 1600 block of Southern Street in a red Ford Explorer when his vehicle rear-ended a silver Dodge pickup. That truck then rear-ended a white Volkswagen passenger car.

The driver of the Dodge pickup was not hurt in the crash. A woman was driving the Volkswagen with two young children inside. No one in that vehicle was injured.

Lemke, 64, continued driving west on Southern Street while accelerating and drove off the left side of the roadway. That's when he struck a light pole, privacy fence and wooden shed.

Lemke's vehicle became airborne near Southeast Elementary School, rotated one-quarter turn and landed on the driver's side.

The homeowner heard sounds of the crash before he saw the SUV land in his yard. He had no idea the driver was his accountant of 30 years. Lemke was respected in the Brighton communicty.

Lemke of Brighton, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of his death is being investigated.

Police are investigating whether Lemke may have suffered a medical condition that caused him to accelerate.

"We think he had a medical response of some sort," said Brighton Police Lt. Frank Acosta.