RAWLINS — A midday accident involving a motorcyclist and a SUV resulted in one fatality on Thursday.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at the intersection of Spruce and 3rd streets at approximately 11:40 a.m. A Chevy Suburban traveling east on Spruce Street was preparing to turn north onto 3rd Street when it collided with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle heading west.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead upon arrival at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the driver of the Suburban sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. The identities of both individuals have not been officially released, though family members have identified the motorcyclist as Leo Montoya.
The area was closed to traffic until about 1:30 p.m. while law enforcement conducted an investigation and cleared the scene. Two witnesses who were following the Suburban at the time of the collision are cooperating with authorities.
Lt. Tyler Chapman stated that they are currently investigating the crash and noted he has 10 days to submit a report to the County Attorney’s Office, which will determine if any charges will be filed.
Chapman emphasized the importance of driver awareness, particularly as motorcycle traffic increases with events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which attracts a significant number of riders each August.