Log In


Reset Password
News Education Local News Nation & World New Mexico

Cyclist hit Sunday in critical condition

Neil Hannum, who runs the Chip Peddler, an active member of community
Neil Hannum, of Durango, was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike Sunday on U.S. Highway 550. He remains at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood in critical condition as of Monday.

The cyclist hit by an SUV on Sunday – identified as Durango resident Neil Hannum – was transferred to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood and is in critical condition, officials said Monday.

Hannum, 52, was hit about noon by a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander while riding his bike on U.S. Highway 550 near Trimble Lane. The driver of the vehicle was 16-year old Kylie Kouyoumjian, also of Durango.

According to Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Rob Madden, Hannum was traveling south in the left turn lane of U.S. Highway 550. The SUV was in the southbound center lane.

Hannum moved right from the left turn lane into the center lane, and the front of the Outlander collided with his bicycle.

Madden said no citations had been issued as of 11:30 a.m. Monday.

According to a spokeswoman at St. Anthony’s, Hannum was in critical condition in the intensive care unit on Monday.

Hannum is a longtime resident of Durango, and an active member of the community. He owns The Chip Peddler, a local tortilla chip manufacturing company.

“He is certainly actively involved in bicycling and contributes a lot to our community with all kinds of benefits and charities,” said Scott Kurlander.

Andrew Wracher, another friend, said the incident has sent shock waves through the cycling community.

“It’s sad because you know this person, and you know all the good things they’ve done for the community and the lasting impact they have in our town. And it’s sad to think someone like that is hurt,” Wracher said.

“But beyond that, it’s also scary because as a community of cyclists, the whole town, sees something we do and love and it’s dangerous. It could have been any of us, and it’s scary in that respect.”

Wracher said he’s known Hannum since he moved to Durango in 1992. The two shared an interest in graphic design as well as cycling.

“I just appreciate his being active in community and also just a creative entrepreneur. I feel like we benefit from people like that in this town,” he said.

“He is a nice person. He’s just a very nice person to talk to, very open, friendly, not the kind of person you want to see injured.”

jromeo@durangoherald.com

To donate

Scott Kurlander, a close friend of the Hannum family, set up a fund for Neil Hannum. Donors can write a check payable to “Scott Kurlander For Benefit Of Neil Hannum” and take it to First National Bank of Durango.

The public also can donate to an online GoFundMe page at

https://www.gofundme.com/2bjrzq4

.

Jun 29, 2016
Injured cyclist Neil Hannum out of intensive care unit
Jun 26, 2016
Cyclist hit by car on U.S. Highway 550 in serious condition


Reader Comments