A careless decision to pass in rainy weather led to the death of a former Ute Mountain Ute tribal chairman last weekend outside of Cortez, CO.

65-year-old Ernest House was driving home from a motorcycle convention in Arizona on his 2009 Harley Davidson when he was hit head-on by a 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. Natoniba Dance, a 20-year-old resident of Cortez, was trying to pass a slower vehicle in a valid passing lane when he saw House, slamming on his brakes.

House was awake and speaking at the accident before taken to the hospital for internal injuries. He died later that day.

Dance and his two juvenile passengers were unhurt. Authorities have charged him with careless driving causing death, saying that rainy weather could have been a factor.

House’s family received a letter of condolence from The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, noting the many ways House served the Native American community.

It is sad to see what one moment of carelessness by the driver of an automobile can do. The young driver and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe will feel the impact of this motorcycle accident for years to come. Remember how important it is to be certain it is safe when you pass. The impacts of carelessness can be far reaching.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Denver injury lawyers