Car Kills San Diego Teen-Ager as He Skateboards Down Colorado Highway

A San Diego teen-ager visiting friends in Colorado was killed just before midnight Sunday when he was run over while skateboarding down 9,426-foot Rabbit Ears Pass on U. S. 40, Colorado authorities said.

Danny Cotter, 17, who lived with his mother in San Diego, was riding down the steep pass about 9 miles east of Steamboat Springs when he was struck by a car about 11:45 p.m. Colorado time, said Trooper Hal Butts of the Colorado State Patrol.

The boy was riding near the center of the road in a “coffin-style” position, lying on his back with his feet facing the front of the board, when he was struck, Butts said.

Timothy Barnett, of Walden, Colo., was attempting to pass another car when he “felt a bump,” Butts said. Barnett did not know he had struck someone until he passed the youth’s companions. He did not stop but turned himself in to authorities Monday morning, Butts said.

Butts might face only a hit-and-run charge in connection with the accident, since the blame was placed on Cotter, Butts said. Skateboarding on highways is prohibited under Colorado law, he said.