Fatal Crash Report: Pickup Truck Was Speeding When It Hit Cyclist Benjamin Sonntag
DURANGO, Colo. (CBS4) - A Colorado State Patrol crash report indicates the driver of a pickup truck was speeding when he struck and killed a 39-year-old professional cyclist. The Durango Herald reports the truck was traveling 65 mph in a 35 mph zone at the time of the March 4 accident that killed Benjamin Sonntag.
The Colorado State Patrol confirmed Thursday that Sonntag was riding on the left side of the roadway as the truck began to "yaw" or skid sideways. CSP investigators determined that Sonntag veered to his right and then back to his left before impact.
Colorado law requires cyclists to ride as to the road's right shoulder as safely possible, said Trooper Gary Cutler.
Sonntag was pronounced dead at the scene west of Marvel in southwest La Plata County.
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday against the driver, 19-year-old Cordell Schneider of Durango. In fact, Dave Ottman, Assistant District Attorney for the 6th Judicial District, said Thursday that it had not yet received CSP's investigation -- and may not for weeks. The DA's Office will consider filing any charges, or not filing any, after it has weighed the evidence of the case, he said.
Drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors. A toxicology report was not conducted.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
