Motorcyclist identified in fatal crash on Circle Drive and Van Buren Street

On May 16, 2026, at approximately 12:50 a.m., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) was notified of a single motorcycle traffic crash near the intersection of North Circle Drive and East Van Buren Street. When officers arrived on scene, they learned that the motorcycle rider was deceased.

Due to the circumstances of the crash, the CSPD Major Crash Team (MCT) was notified and responded, assuming responsibility for the investigation. Initial on-scene indications showed that the motorcycle was traveling northbound on North Circle Drive at a high rate of speed in the left lane when it crossed the southbound lanes and struck a guardrail. Speed appears to be a contributing factor.

On May 18, 2026, the CSPD was notified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office that the rider had been positively identified as 33-year-old John Ruhe.

No formal charges have been filed at this time. This remains an open and active investigation.

This incident marks the 22nd traffic fatality in Colorado Springs in 2026. At this time last year, the city experienced fourteen traffic fatalities. Over the past 365 days, there have been 65 traffic-related fatalities within the city.