FLC Student Passes Away in Car Accident Over Weekend

By Ryan Simonovich

Fort Lewis College student Allen Duke, 23, died from injuries sustained from being hit by an SUV while walking along Main Avenue on Saturday, Lt. Ray Shupe of the Durango Police Department said. Duke died at Mercy Regional Medical Center from severe injuries, Shupe said.

“Very sad news as we lost one of our Fort Lewis College family this weekend,” an FLC statement said.

Paul McGurr, the interim dean of the School of Business Administration, has filed a recommendation with the Board of Trustees for a posthumous degree for Duke, who was planning to graduate in the spring, he said.  

FLC does not currently have any memorial events planned, an FLC statement said.

The vehicle, driven by Bobby Lehmann, 76, of Durango and Texas jumped the curb, striking and killing Duke and another man, Shupe said. Marco Ricchi, 46, of Italy was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.

The FLC Counseling Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in 260 Noble Hall for students who are in need of support, Elizabeth Gleason, a Counseling Center intern, said. Students taking more than eight credit hours are entitled to four free counseling sessions.

Students can walk in or call (970) 247-7212 to make an appointment, Gleason said. There are priority spots available for crisis situations, she said.

Axis Health System offers a 24-hour crisis hotline at (970) 247-5245 for those in need, she said.

Condolences may be sent to 7678 Camille Court, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80908, or emiduke57@gmail.com, according to the college’s statement.