Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — A Michigan man was listed in serious condition at Denver Health Medical Center Wednesday evening after being injured in a traffic accident here earlier in the day.

Melvin G. Parsons, 76, of Big Rapids, Mich., suffered undetermined injuries when the 1993 BMW motorcycle he was riding collided with a 1992 Pontiac Lemans sedan on U.S. 40 at Pine Grove Road around 9:30 a.m.

Raymundo Cordoba-Vasquez, 24, of Craig was the driver of the Pontiac. He was ticketed for failure to yield while making a left turn and for failing to possess proof of insurance. Cordoba-Vasquez was not injured in the mishap.

Steamboat Springs police officers Scott Case and Rich Brown responded to the scene of the accident, along with personnel from Steamboat Springs Ambulance and the Steamboat Springs Fire Department.

Parsons was headed west on U.S. 40 and approaching Pine Grove Road in the right hand lane when the accident took place. Cordoba-Vasquez' vehicle was eastbound and entered the left turn lane, where it turned in front of the motorcycle, a police accident report indicates. The BMW struck the Pontiac in rear of the passenger side. The motorcycle sustained moderate damage to it front end and one side. The car suffered only minor damage.

Cordoba-Vasquez told police that he never saw the motorcycle. Parsons was wearing a helmet, according to police.

Parsons was originally transported to Yampa Valley Medical Center, where he was treated for multiple injuries, then transported to Denver Health.

A spokesperson for Denver Health said Parsons was just undergoing X-rays in the emergency room at 5 p.m., and could not comment on the extent of his injuries.

To reach Tom Ross call 871-4210, or e-mail tomross@amigo.net