Illinois motorcycle rider dies in crash in Saguache County

SAGUACHE COUNTY — A motorcycle rider from Illinois died in a crash on Thursday, June 23, on Highway 285 near Milepost 83, according to the Colorado State Patrol. 

At approximately 12:53 p.m. on June 23, CSP responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 285 near milepost 83 in Saguache County. The crash involved a GMC Sierra and two motorcycles.

The driver of the GMC Sierra was John Painter, 66, of Moffat. Painter, who was properly restrained, did not sustain injuries during the crash.

One motorcycle rider was Pavel Svora, 49, from North Riverside, Illi. Svora sustained fatal injuries during the crash, CSP reported.

The other motorcycle rider was Szymon Karczewicz, 45, from Carol Stream, Illi. Karczewicz did not sustain any injuries. Both motorcycle riders were wearing motorcycle helmets.

The GMC Sierra was traveling southbound on Highway 285. A BMW and KTM motorcycle were traveling northbound on Highway 285 in a group of four motorcycles traveling staggered.

The GMC Sierra drifted across the center line and into the northbound lane, CSP reported. The first two motorcycles in the group avoided the collision. The GMC Sierra’s front-left corner impacted the BMW motorcycle's front.

After the impact, the GMC Sierra traveled back into the southbound lane and came to a controlled stop partially on the shoulder and southbound lane.

After the impact, the BMW motorcycle traveled off the east edge of the road rolling and catching on fire. During the crash sequence, Svora was ejected from the motorcycle and landed in the dirt beyond the motorcycle.

The KTM motorcycle was struck by debris from the collision and sustained moderate damage and came to a controlled stop on the northbound shoulder.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, but distracted driving is believed to have been involved, CSP reported.