Andrew Bernstein airlifted to Denver Health with life-threatening injuries following Arapahoe Road crash
From the Daily Camera
By Mitchell Byars
The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a Boulder cyclist with life-threatening injuries on Saturday.
Andrew “Bernie” Bernstein was biking west on Arapahoe Road near Legion Park on Saturday at around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Bernstein’s family told the Daily Camera.
Gloria Liu, Bernstein’s fiancee, said Bernstein was riding by himself from Erie back to Boulder.
“There were no witnesses, but it appears he got to the top of the hill and was hit from behind by a car,” Liu said.
A passing motorist saw Bernstein on the side of the road and called 911. Bernstein was transported to Boulder Community Health’s Foothills Hospital, but later airlifted to Denver Health due to the severity of his injuries.
Bernstein’s brother, Eric, said his brother suffered severe internal injuries and broken bones, and has been sedated ever since the crash.
Doctors have been trying to treat his internal injuries so they could then get started on several surgeries to repair his numerous fractures, including to his vertebrae.
“He’s stable enough for that, but by no means beyond the possibility of a life-threatening turn,” his brother said.
Liu said Bernstein, 34, was a track and road racer and has worked all over the bike industry, from being a journalist to promoting races to marketing.
“He loves to ride his bike, and one of his passions was contributing to the cycling community,” Liu said. “Nothing makes him happier than to help other people, but now his life is altered and he is in an incredible amount of pain and suffering.”
As Bernstein recovers, investigators are trying to piece together more information on the crash. Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gary Cutler said a piece of the suspect vehicle left behind at the scene traced back to a 2000 Dodge Ram van.
Eric Bernstein said his brother’s bike was snapped in half, and finds it hard to believe the driver did not realize they had hit someone.
“The severity of the crash makes it hard to believe the individual driving is not aware they hit someone,” he said. “It’s very upsetting to realize this person noticed and knew what they had done and left my brother to die on the side of the road in the rain.”
Anyone who saw anything related to the crash is asked to call Colorado State Patrol at 303-289-4760.
Liu said her fiance was wearing black shorts and a gray jersey, and was riding a red Aeroad Canyon bicycle.
“If anybody saw anything or knows how we can find the driver responsible for this, it’s not going to make his injuries any better but it will go a long way to resolving the impact it could have on the rest of his life,” Liu said. “If the driver is reading this, I would just urge him or her to come forward. Do the right thing.”
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