Fatal Traffic Crash Investigation Concluded

Release Date: Friday, October 16th, 2009

Rita Davis
Fort Collins Police Services
970-221-6628

**UPDATE**
On October 16, Fort Collins police completed the investigation into the collision at Spring Mesa and South Taft Hill Roads. The motorcyclist, 54-year-old Paul Vuono of Fort Collins, died on October 12 of injuries sustained in the crash. Police determined the driver of the 1996 Mercury Mystique, 19-year-old Zachary Loveland of Fort Collins, was not at fault; consequently no charges will be filed in this case.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2009

Police Investigate Injury Motorcycle Accident
On October 8 at 11:40 a.m., Fort Collins police was notified of an injury accident at the intersection of Spring Mesa and South Taft Hill Roads. The collision involved a motorcycle and a car.

The motorcycle, a 1991 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic driven by 54 year-old Paul Vuono of Fort Collins, was northbound on Taft Hill Road behind a 1996 Mercury Mystique driven by 19 year-old Zachary Loveland of Fort Collins. The vehicle slowed to make a left turn when the motorcycle rear ended the car.

The motorcyclist was taken to Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) with serious injuries. The driver of the Mercury was not injured.

While controlling vehicle access to the motor vehicle crash, Fort Collins Police Officer David Kaes’ police vehicle was broadsided by another car. Officer Kaes, had driven north on County Road 19, turned on to 57th Street, and had set up position on 57th Street when his vehicle was broadsided by a Ford pickup truck. Officer Kaes had to be extricated from his vehicle and was transported to MCR for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. This crash, which occurred in Loveland, is being investigated by the Loveland Police.

The motorcycle and vehicle crash occurred in Fort Collins city limits and is being investigated by Fort Collins police. Taft Hill Road is closed from Trilby Road to 57th Street. Police do NOT believe alcohol was involved. Anyone with information about the accident, who has not already given a statement to police, is asked to contact Officer Scott Crumbaker at 970-221-6555.