Two motorcyclists were killed Friday night in separate accidents in Aurora.
The first motorcyclist was killed while racing against with another motorcycle and crashing into a car.
The second slammed into an SUV at high speed hours later, officials say.
Neither of the accident victims, who were both men and wearing helmets, have been identified.
The first accident happened at about 8:15 p.m. at the intersection of East Alameda Avenue and South Troy Street.
The motorcycle, traveling north on Alameda Avenue, crashed into a Honda Civic. The rider was thrown more than 300 feet and died on the scene as a result of the injuries.
The three occupants in the Honda were not injured.
According to a news release, an officer who had been monitoring traffic speed just a few blocks away saw two motorcycles speeding. The officer, however, who was monitoring westbound traffic, didn’t attempt to pursue the motorcycles traveling north, figuring he would be unable to turn around in time to catch them.
He saw the motorcycles speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. Witnesses estimate the motorcycles approached speeds in excess of 100 mph. The accident happened less than two minutes later.
Only one motorcycle was at the scene, but as officers were investigating, a couple in a car approached to check on the victim.
Police determined that the couple in the car had been riding the motorcycle that had been racing against the victim. According to the release, police also determined the man was drunk and arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The names of the couple were also not released.
Nearly three hours later, at 11 p.m., a motorcyclist turned quickly from southbound Buckley Road to westbound East Quincy Avenue, according to Lt. Chuck DeShazer.
After making the turn, witnesses said the motorcyclist accelerated rapidly and crashed into the side of a maroon Nissan Pathfinder that was turning into a shopping center.
Rescue workers found the motorcyclist on the ground. Investigators believe that speed contributed to the crash, DeShazer said.
The driver and only occupant of the Pathfinder was not injured and is cooperating with investigators, he said.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
