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Federal Heights man dies after fleeing trooper west of Golden

Rocky Mountain News

Published December 14, 2008 at 10:07 a.m.
Updated December 14, 2008 at 12:50 p.m.

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A 26-year-old Federal Heights man is dead after driving off the road and into Clear Creek when a State Patrol trooper tried to pull him over.

The victim, John F. Slumski, was ejected as his Jeep Cherokee landed on ice in the middle of Clear Creek, said patrol spokesman David Hall.

A trooper tried to pull Slumski over around 11:23 p.m. Saturday because he was weaving, Hall said.

He fled from the trooper on U.S. Highway 6 and went off the road after a brief chase, Hall said.

The vehicle rolled once after going off an embankment west of Golden, he said.

The patrol issued a release stating alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor.

Reckless driving and road conditions likely played a part in the crash, the release stated, but there was no contact between the fleeing vehicle and the State Patrol vehicle. Speeds for the pursuit were in the 40s, the release stated.

Comments

  • December 14, 2008

    10:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    LOUIE writes:

    OUCH! Never driven drunk, never had a DUI; but if I were drinking and driving I think I'd rather pull over and get kicked for the 10 grand in court. Speeding away whether you lose your life or not, isn't worth the additional consequences or charges. Having experenced the deadliness of a drunk driver firsthand in my own life, I am thankful no innocent lives had to pay, for what appears by reading the article, the foolish decisions of this driver. The drunk who caused my son's death on Christmas 4 years ago, had a prior drunk driving case previously resulting in another innocent person's death. Even with the second offense, both resulting death, in Arizona the maximum sentence that can be given is 10 years. I forgave the man, both my wife and I declined speaking at his sentencing. No amount of punishment, anger, or bitterness can bring someone you love back. You can say your sorry, but nothing removes the hole you leave in someones life. No doubt this man's death will leave a hole in someone's life; God be with those who loved him...

  • December 14, 2008

    11:35 a.m.

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    Cowboy63 writes:

    Lets see... either a DUI or a dead on the side of the road? At least it was his own neck he broke and didn't take a station wagon full of kids with him.

    Learn from this guy's Choice.

  • December 14, 2008

    11:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    ajaded180 writes:

    This man was my cousin. While I uderstand the positions of your comments, the whole story still hasn't been given. They still haven't confirmed the level of alcohol or how much it really was a factor. The roads were also very bad. I don't condone his decisions in any way, but please remember to keep all factors in mind before judging and realize that the news doesn't always have all of the facts. Thank you, LOUIE, for your last comments. He was loved and he will be missed greatly.

  • December 14, 2008

    2:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    flaco writes:

    Ajaded180,
    I am sorry for your families lost. Thank God that you haven't had to endure the usual stupid posts. Drugs and alcohol cause alot of
    heartache and misery. Louie is right no amount of anger ect can change the situation. The cold heartness of the people who comment on these blogs amaze me and yes anger me. This is why I don't have alot of hope for our country. Ajaded if he was a
    illegal WOW you would see alot of posts calling him everything in the book. So don't get offended with these few posts. The animals must be watching the Bronocs. Again sorry for your cousin.
    Flaco

  • December 14, 2008

    4:41 p.m.

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    candycane247 writes:

    This man is my brother and I don't think that any of you execpt Ajaded knows what my family and I are going through right now. I feel that my heart has been ripped out and stepped on by god that's right I brought up religion and I don't give a f*** what anybody has to say about it because until you lose a sibling you will never know the pain that people like me go through especialy since this is the second sibling that I have lost in 3 years. So, If you plan on leaving a comment about alcohol playing a role in the "accident" you might want to also think about a few other things like law enforcement don't always do things by the book and also that it was snowing and the roads were very bad, so if you ask me I believe that the STATE PATROL caused my brothers death. If any of you ever believe 100% what the media tells you than you can all just F*** OFF!!!!!!!

  • December 14, 2008

    6:03 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Toe_nail writes:

    Candy,
    Hopefully the next time the red and blues come on for somebody in your family, they just stop. Road conditions are not the question here.

  • December 14, 2008

    6:17 p.m.

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    TankerDan writes:

    You get drunk? You get in car? Ice on roads? Run from the Police? "Farewell and adieu to you sweet Spanish ladies.....farewell and adieu to you ladies of Spain".

  • December 14, 2008

    6:55 p.m.

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    Really writes:

    What an idiot... He got exactly what he deserved... You are right I am sure there is more to this story. Maybe he had arrest warrants or had just committed another crime.. Maybe that is why he decided to run from the law. Oh well, all of his troubles are over now...

    What a loser... Don't feel sorry for the poor choices that this guy made. Fortunately he did not injure anyone else with his reckless conduct and disregard. I hope the other motorists didn't have to wait in traffic too long while the accident was investigated!

    It is natural for the family to want to blame the State Patrol... Why would anyone ever expect them to place the blame where it lies, with the driver?? That of course would mean that he is accountable and responsible for his actions and choices which is certainly not the case here, right?!

  • December 14, 2008

    8:03 p.m.

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    blklprdfreak writes:

    Ok first thing. Im sorry for your loss. But on the other hand I was up in Blackhawk last night and got the news at midnight that US 6 was closed and I had to stay the night up there. I heard it was a fatality and it was not a good feeling to know that but after reading this hes lucky he died because other wise he would have been sued by thousands for being stupid and causing people so much money. I have lost siblings so dont give us the poor me statement it will get you nowhere. Except it and get counseling. Then your family can move on.

  • December 14, 2008

    8:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    badfrog101 writes:

    As a former Deputy Sheriff, it's always a bad idea to try running. They will almost always win.

    I lost my father-in-law in a car accident up Clear Creek Canyon over 30 years ago. Dangerous, especially in the snow and at night. Sorry for your loss.

  • December 14, 2008

    8:38 p.m.

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    Gonzopozo writes:

    He chose poorly. Sad.

    CO 119 and US 6 are packed with State Patrol on Sat nights, and rightfully so. Weaving across the middle stripe is a death wish - for the driver and others - and must be stopped if witnessed.

  • December 14, 2008

    9:04 p.m.

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    AlanShore writes:

    He should have just pulled over, he'd be alive. Doesn't matter if he was drunk or not. He chose to run and he wasn't capable of driving in the conditions he was faced with. He also must NOT of been wearing a seat belt to have been ejected. Both His choice.
    Don't blame the State Patrol. It was HIS choice, he chose BADLY.
    Sorry for your loss.

  • December 15, 2008

    12:59 a.m.

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    Penguin10 writes:

    Seriously Candy, don't be naive. He made his choice, he saw the lights and decided to run adding up to his untimely demise. It's sad that he died and I really do feel for you, ajaded and the rest of your family but don't blame others for his choices. The trooper didn't make him run nor did he make him drive recklessly in a manner that got him killed. He just should have pulled over.

  • December 15, 2008

    5:14 a.m.

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    LOUIE writes:

    Candycane, I have long forgiven the drunk driver who killed my son and his best friend; my son died in the arms of an Arizona State Trooper who was coming down the highway a few minutes after the accident. How I wish I could have cradle my son in his last moments on this earth, but it was a Arizona State Trooper instead. What can I say to that trooper but thank you? I am sorry for your loss; yet I am thankful to law enforcement and the compassion they show unto families in difficult positions. I don't think this trooper caused your brothers death, but I'm sure he felt the grief all the same. Like myself, you will forever live with a hole in your heart that no amount of tears or anger can ever fill. My wife and I still make christmas for the rest of our children and grandchildren, and in the quiet moments alone the tears still come. I am very sorry for your loss, and I am most certain the trooper is as well.

  • December 15, 2008

    8:09 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    DaDinPain writes:

    John we all love you and will miss you very much. There has been hundreds of calls from your friends. We are disregarding the insentive remarks here. John I will miss you most of all, you where a good son and I will love you always and will miss you calling me POPS. son.............I wish you where here now.

    Love You Always
    Dad