CSU-Pueblo biology professor dies following crash – KKTV 11 News

PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) - Colorado State University-Pueblo has confirmed a professor died Friday morning when he crashed into a car while riding his bike.

Colorado State Patrol identified the man who died as 56-year-old Daniel R. Caprioglio from Pueblo. The school says he was a "well respected biology professor at the university." He began teaching at the university in 1993.

The crash is under investigation by both Colorado State Patrol and Pueblo police. Troopers say it was reported around 7:30 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Highway 47 and Pete Jiminez Parkway on the east side of the city.

The crash involved a car and a bicyclist. Troopers say the bicyclist, later identified as the professor, died when he turned east onto Pete Jiminez Parkway in front of a car.

The driver of the car, 19-year-old Carter Braune, stayed on scene and cooperated with law enforcement. Troopers say when the bicyclist turned in front of the car, which was a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, they collided and Caprioglio was ejected. He was wearing a helmet during the crash, but was unfortunately pronounced dead on scene.

Braune was not injured. Troopers say speed or alcohol are not suspected in the crash.

The school released the following statement about Caprioglio:

The University extends its condolences to the family and friends of Biology Professor Dr. Dan Caprioglio, 56, who died in a bicycle accident early this morning on Colorado Highway 47. Due to this occurrence, President Lesley Di Mare has asked that the retirement reception scheduled today on her behalf be postponed. The event was scheduled from 4-6 p.m. today on the rooftop patio of the Leomiti Warrior Center at the CSU-Pueblo ThunderBowl.

Dan was the 2016 recipient of the award for Faculty Excellence in Advising/Mentoring. In addition to serving as a professor, he was an assistant coach for track and cross country programs and as the Faculty Athletic Representative, a position that allows him to use his advising and mentoring expertise to ensure the success of our student-athletes both on and off the field and in and out of the classroom. He also mentored students in undergraduate research accompanying Tri-Beta students to winning presentations at their regional conferences. He was graduate coordinator for the Master of Science in Biology as well as served on the GPNS advisory board with oversight of the masters programs in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Additional information about a memorial and services for Dr. Caprioglio will be forthcoming. We send his family, and especially wife, Helen, our thoughts and prayers.

Highway 47 was closed in both directions near Pete Jiminez Parkway during the investigation. It was back open by 11 a.m. The crash remains under investigation.

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CSU-Pueblo biology professor dies following crash - KKTV 11 News