COLORADO STATE PATROL

Press Release
Colorado State Patrol

–10/4/2018

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on northbound I-25 mile post 135.5  on October 4, 2018, at approximately 1525 hours. The crash is approximately 1 mile south of Colorado Springs.
A gray Volkswagen GTI was northbound on the I-25 on ramp from Academy Blvd. After the lane merges to one lane the Volkswagen passed another vehicle on the left. The Volkswagen traveled into the far left lane and cut off a Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson was traveling northbound I-25 in the left lane. The driver of the motorcycle  lost control and was ejected.
The driver of the Volkswagen was identified as 34 year-old James Fritz of Littleton CO.  James was not injured in the crash and was charged with Vehicular Homicide.
The driver of the Harley Davidson was identified as 54 year-old Michael Melanson of Littleton, CO. Michael was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced deceased on-scene.
The crash remains under investigation.

–UPDATE 10/05/2018
Press release  by Colorado State Patrol  updated today, to note that Michael Melanson was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.