DEPUTY KILLED IN CRASH

las animas county An on- duty sheriff’s deputy was killed Tuesday after veering across traffic and striking a parked vehicle in Trinidad.

Travis Russell, 44, was not responding to a call for service at the time of the wreck, authorities say.

The crash happened about 11: 30 a. m. near the intersection of Stonewall Avenue and Prospect Street when Russell drove across opposing traffic and struck a parked, unoccupied SUV, investigators say.

The State Patrol says Russell’s vehicle rolled onto its passenger side before coming to a rest.

The crash remains under investigation.

Clear Creek official dies in home. Tom Hayden,

chairman of the Clear Creek County Commission, died in his home Monday morning, officials say. He was 60. Emergency responders were called to try to save Hayden, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Hayden was a longtime resident of Clear Creek County with deep family roots tracing to John Evans, the second territorial governor of Colorado, according to a county news release.

At the time of his death, Hayden was working hard with his fellow commissioners to deal with the looming closure of the massive Henderson Mine near Empire.

In November, he helped counsel elected leaders from Silverton and San Juan County on their decision whether to embrace a Superfund designation to clean up their leaching, abandoned mines.

Authorities have not said what caused Hayden’s death.

Bicyclist hurt in hit- run accident B

fort collins » Police are investigating a hit- and- run crash in which a 53- year- old bicyclist was left sprawled in the middle of a city street lateMonday night.

George Taylor, 53, of Fort Collins was taken toMedical Center of the Rockies with serious injuries, according to police.

Taylor was found lying in the southbound lanes of College Avenue near Spring Park Drive at 11: 32 p. m., police said.

His injuries were consistent with having been struck by a motor vehicle, police said.

But apparently someone took the time to place Taylor’s backpack and bicycle against a planter box before fleeing.

The southbound lanes of College Avenue were closed for about four hours while police investigated.

Two held in possible hash- oil fire. Two men

have been arrested as suspects in an alleged hash- oil fire at aWestminster residence.

Ashton Blanch, 25, and Oinander Kanwar, 28, have been arrested on suspicion of marijuana processing and possession of a controlled substance, according to theWestminster Police Department.

Blanch also faces a possible charge of fourth- degree arson.

The fire broke out in a garage at about 8: 15 p. m. Monday at 4845W. 73rd Ave., police said.