On January 1, 2024, at approximately 1:03 PM, CSPD received a call about a single-vehicle crash where a vehicle had struck a tree near the intersection of Research and Criterion.
Witnesses stated the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Research Parkway and failed to negotiate the curve, striking a tree. Citizens on the scene attempted lifesaving measures until emergency medical services arrived on the scene. The single occupant was pronounced deceased on the scene. Major Crash Team responded and took over the investigation.
On January 2, 2024, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the deceased driver and identified him as James Gomez, a 62-year-old resident of Colorado Springs.
This is the first traffic fatality in Colorado Springs in 2024. At this time last year, there was one traffic fatality. In the last 365 days, there have been 50 fatalities in Colorado Springs.