On January 6, 2024, at approximately 12:19 AM, members of the Colorado Springs Police Department were dispatched to the area of North Academy Boulevard and North Carefree Circle regarding a traffic crash involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers located the pedestrian in the roadway about 170 feet south of the intersection. The pedestrian was treated on scene by members of the Colorado Springs Fire Department and AMR and then transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries as a result of the traffic crash.
The investigation found that the pedestrian was crossing the roadway outside of a crosswalk when they were struck by the motor vehicle. Neither speed nor alcohol are factors in this investigation.
On January 10, 2024, the pedestrian involved in the crash succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased. An autopsy was performed on January 11, 2024, by the El Paso County Coroner's office. The pedestrian has been identified as Mindy Ekern, a 40-year-old resident of Colorado Springs. At this time, there are no charges against the driver involved.
This is the 3rd traffic fatality in Colorado Springs this year. At this same time last year, there was one traffic fatality. In the past 365 days, there have been 52 fatal traffic crashes in Colorado Springs.