Report: Motorcyclist was intoxicated

by Herald Staff Report

Article Last Updated; Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:57AM

A toxicology report shows that a Bayfield man who died in a motorcycle crash last October in Durango was under the influence of alcohol at the time of accident.

Eric Gomez, 37, was driving a 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King southbound on Camino del Rio when he lost control, struck a merge sign and collided with a guardrail.

The accident occurred at 5:06 p.m. Oct. 25 south of the DoubleTree Hotel, where U.S. Highway 160 merges with Camino del Rio.

Gomez was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.

According to a toxicology report, he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.106, which is over the 0.08 level that earns drivers a ticket for driving under the influence in Colorado.

Speed also was a factor in the accident, according to witnesses.

Sunday, November 22, 2009
at 8:44:13 PM

Suggest removal

common sense says...

Alcohol keeps you from being more aware of problems with your vehicle! I'm sick and tired of everyone in this area making up excuses for fallen bikers. Its always tires, front ends, handlebars, but really its the operators responsibility to check and maintain they're bikes! Is it just coincidence that these men and women have high alcohol consumption or am I reading into this too much? Think before you drink and ride because its thinning the herd around here!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
at 7:09:55 PM

Suggest removal

BoulevardMan says...

Alcohol...tire problems...no helmet.. I realize that accidents will and do happen, but why does common sense for the experienced motorcyclist almost NEVER prevail during an investigation after an accident? My heart goes out to the family suffering from this senseless tragedy. Use common sense and self control when getting on your bikes out there. In 14 years of EMS work I never worked a motorcycle related death where the driver or even the passenger was wearing a helmet. Injured, yes, but alive! To all out there who enjoy the open road, take two seconds and consider those effected in the event of our own lapses in judgment when we get on a bike that isn't road ready or while we are under the influence. Ride responsibly!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
at 11:12:08 AM

Suggest removal

just sayin says...

I heard he was having tire problems too