Palisade, Colorado — A well-liked 54-year-old man from Grand Junction died Thursday afternoon after his motorcycle and a vehicle collided at the intersection of West 8th Street and Iowa Avenue in Palisade. The crash happened around 2:20 p.m., and emergency crews rushed to the scene but could not save the rider.
Family, friends and neighbors are reeling from the sudden loss of Glenn Holmes, who was identified by the Mesa County Coroner’s Office as the motorcyclist in the collision. Local rescue units, ambulance crews, and police responded quickly, finding Holmes on the ground and not breathing. First responders attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Early reports from the Palisade Police Department show that Holmes was not wearing a helmet when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle traveling through the central Palisade intersection. Investigators say the lack of protective gear likely made the impact far more severe than it might have otherwise been.
A spokesperson for the police department confirmed the crash is under active investigation. Officers are gathering witness statements, reviewing any available traffic cameras, and examining both the motorcycle and the other vehicle to piece together how the collision occurred. A full investigative report will be released once all evidence is reviewed.
Holmes’ death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face on busy roads. Palisade and nearby Grand Junction are known for scenic routes that attract both local riders and visitors, but intersections like West 8th and Iowa Avenue can become dangerous when vehicles and motorcycles cross paths without clear sight lines or caution. Safety officials have long urged riders to wear helmets and for drivers to watch vigilantly for two-wheeled travelers.
Community members expressed grief on social media and at the scene, recalling Holmes as someone who loved riding and was always quick with a smile. “He was the kind of guy you’d wave at every time you saw him on the road,” one neighbor said. “It’s just heartbreaking.”
The Palisade Police Department has asked that anyone with additional information about the crash contact them directly. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to emphasize careful driving and helmet use, especially as motorcycle season approaches and more riders hit the roads around Mesa County.
