A Colorado State Patrol cadet was killed in an accident last month when a driver failed to pull over during a traffic stop and sped through an accident scene. Cadet Taylor Thyfault, age 21, was tragically struck and killed by the speeding Honda.
On the morning of May 23, a minor accident involving three vehicles occurred around 7:45 a.m. on Colorado 66 near Longmont. Elsewhere, around 8 a.m., troopers attempted to pull over the driver of a Honda, Christopher Lee Gebers, near I-25 and Colorado 66. The Honda driver sped away and led State Patrol through the earlier accident scene where Cadet Thyfault and Trooper Clinton Rushing were working to keep those at the accident scene safe while attempting to stop the fleeing driver.
According to the Denver Post, Rushing was laying down ‘stop sticks’ when the Honda sped through the accident scene. Gebers struck Rushing first, spun into a drift, finally striking and killing Thyfault. Rushing suffered injuries, however, he is expected to survive.
In the final moments before the accident, Cadet Thyfault yelled out to tow truck driver, Rusty Melvin, to get out of the road where he was working to hook up cars from the previous accident to his tow truck. Melvin believes that Thyfault’s actions saved his life.
Gebers, who suffered minor injuries, was taken to Boulder County Jail after his release from Longmont United Hospital. He faces numerous charges ranging from first-degree murder with extreme indifference to illegal use of blue lights, among other charges.
Thyfault had only been a State Patrol cadet since March. He was taking part in a ride along with an experienced trooper as a part of his training.
“Right up to the end, he was doing his job to protect the community,” said a spokesman for the Longmont Police Department.
All of us at The Babcock Law Firm offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Cadet Thyfault.
If you too experience an injury or loss due a negligent or reckless driver, our law firm’s doors are open to you and your family when it comes to seeking just compensation for your loss. Our Colorado car accident legal team will do everything within our power to get you back on your feet financially so that you can have closure. Contact us to discuss your case today.
