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Durango-area cyclist hit, killed in southwest La Plata County

Man, about 40 years old, pronounced dead on scene

A Durango bicyclist was killed Wednesday after being hit by a pickup truck west of Marvel in southwest La Plata County.

The crash occurred about 12:08 p.m. on County Road 105, less than a mile north of County Road 100, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

A green 1991 Ford Ranger was traveling south on County Road 105 when it struck the cyclist, who was traveling northbound, according to the State Patrol.

“The pickup truck traveled off the right side of the road, colliding with a fence, continued through a field, and then off an embankment before coming to rest on its right side in Cherry Creek,” the State Patrol said in a news release.

The cyclist came to rest on the road and was pronounced dead at the scene. The cyclist’s name was not released Wednesday night pending notification of family members.

La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith said the victim is a man about 40 years old. The State Patrol said he was riding a Specialized Tarmac bicycle. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The driver of the pickup was identified as Cordell Schneider, 19, of Durango. Schneider was taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Speed is considered a factor, but alcohol and drugs are not considered to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation, according to the State Patrol.

No charges had been filed as of Wednesday night.

County Road 105 was closed until about 4 p.m. while law enforcement investigated.

In addition to the State Patrol, other agencies that assisted included Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District, Durango Fire Protection District, the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and the La Plata County Coroner’s Office.

“The Colorado State Patrol shares our sincere condolences with those affected by this tragedy,” the agency said in its news release.

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