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Speed a factor in fatal motorcycle crash

Rider going downhill from Coal Bank Pass

High speed appears to have played a role in a motorcycle crash that killed a Durango man Sunday evening on

John Demarest, 60, was northbound on U.S. Highway 550, going downhill from the summit of Coal Bank Pass toward Molas Pass, when his brakes locked up and threw him from the bike, said Cpl. Blake Hancey, with the Colorado State Patrol.

Demarest, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered multiple injuries, including a serious head injury, Hancey said.

He was traveling with his son, Lance Demarest, who was in front of him at the time of the crash.

Efforts to reach Lance Demarest for comment Monday evening were unsuccessful.

John Demarest died en route to Mercy Regional Medical Center, Hancey said.

First responders called three medical helicopters, but none was able to respond, he said. That was a result of three factors: John Demarest was a large man, the location was high in elevation, and the temperature was too hot, which affects lift of the chopper.

shane@durangoherald.com

Jun 26, 2016
Motorcyclist dies in crash on Coal Bank Pass


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