Long-time local cyclist struck and killed on Highway 135

No reason determined for why SUV went onto shoulder…

[  By Mark Reaman  ]

A tragic bike-car accident on Highway 135 early Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a long-time local man and bicycling enthusiast. 

According to Colorado State Patrol trooper Josh Lewis, 71-year-old Mitch Hoffman of Crested Butte was riding his road bike on the highway about 12:30 p.m. Monday, as he often does, when he was struck by a 2019 Honda SUV. Hoffman was heading south and near Crested Butte South at mile marker 21 when the accident occurred.

Lewis said the SUV was also southbound and was driven by 73-year-old Chuck Cliggett of Crested Butte. The accident report indicated that Hoffman was riding on the shoulder of the road when the SUV travelled into the shoulder lane and struck the wheel of the bike. Hoffman was knocked from the bike and thrown into the ditch. He was declared dead at the scene of the accident. 

Lewis said it has not yet been determined why the vehicle drifted into the shoulder, but he said drugs, alcohol and excessive speed were not apparent factors in the accident. Lewis said the accident report did not include any indication that the driver was distracted by his phone. Cliggett was apparently alone in the vehicle.

The accident is still under investigation. After being completed, the investigation report will be passed along to the district attorney to see if charges should be filed.