Hit-and-run motorcycle victim taken off life support

Jesse Pringle, 26, passed away on Aug. 17, 2012 after being the victim in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident a week earlier.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Jesse Pringle, a Lakewood war veteran who has been in a coma for the past week after being knocked off his motorcycle in a hit-and-run accident, was taken off life support and passed away Thursday night, according to his family.

Pringle was 26 years old, and his family said his organs will be donated. He was a standout football player at Lakewood High School and an Army specialist.

Lakewood Police are still searching for the dark-colored SUV that caused the crash at the corner of W. Alameda Ave. and S. Benton Street on Aug. 10 around 9 p.m

The vehicle — possibly a Ford — turned left onto Benton and slammed into Pringle, who was riding with his girlfriend. Both were sent flying into the street. Though seriously injured, Pringle’s girlfriend is expected to recover.

The SUV left the scene before police arrived. The vehicle is described as black or dark blue. It should have significant damage on the passenger side. Investigators say they’re viewing video tapes from surveillance cameras at businesses near the crash site to see if they contain anything useful.

No description of the driver has been made available.

Anyone with information about the crash or suspect vehicle can call Lakewood Police at 303-987-7111.