Traffic Fatality Espanola Street and N. Nevada Avenue

On Saturday June 18, 2022, at 10:47 PM, members of the Colorado Springs Police Department, Gold Hill Division were dispatched to the area of Espanola Street and N. Nevada Avenue regarding a truck versus motorcycle traffic crash. Upon arrival officers learned that the motorcycle was traveling south on Nevada Avenue without any lights on. As the motorcycle entered the intersection of Nevada and Espanola the motorcycle struck the left front fender of a pick-up truck traveling east on Espanola Street. Members of Colorado Springs Fire and AMR attempted to provide aid to the motorcycle rider however the rider succumbed to his injuries and was deceased on scene.
Due to the nature of the crash the Major Crash Team was contacted and responded to assume the investigation. Speed and the fact that the motorcycle was riding without any lights on are considered factors in this investigation.
On Monday June 20, 2022, the El Paso County Coroner’s office conducted an autopsy of the deceased motorcycle rider. The motorcycle rider has been identified as 24-year-old Jacob Kuhel-Heinzel. This is the 22nd fatal traffic crash in Colorado Springs this year. Of the 22 fatal crashes 12 have involved motorcycles. At this time last year there were 20 fatalities in Colorado Springs.