Deceased motorcyclist identified from September 2 crash on East Platte Avenue East of North Chelton Road

On September 2, 2026, at 4:40 p.m., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) was notified of a two-vehicle traffic crash with injuries on East Platte Avenue east of North Chelton Road. The preliminary investigation showed a motorcycle was traveling eastbound on East Platte Avenue when it collided with a sedan that was making a left turn from a frontage road access to westbound East Platte Avenue. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene. Due to the nature of the crash, the Major Crash Team was notified and assumed the investigation.

On September 14, 2026, CSPD was notified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office that the deceased had been identified as 57-year-old Patrick Bendele.

This incident marks the 44th traffic fatality in Colorado Springs in 2026. At this time last year, the city experienced 40 traffic fatalities. Over the past 365 days, there have been 57 traffic-related fatalities within the city.

This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information or who was a witness to this incident is asked to call CSPD at 719-444-7000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.