COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- We are learning more about Matthew Tyner, the Colorado Springs Police officer killed in a motorcycle crash Tuesday afternoon while on duty.
The crash happened just after 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Austin Bluffs Parkway and Silver Drive.
The C.S.P.D. said shortly after the crash, which involved another vehicle, Officer Tyner died from his injuries.
The Major Accident Unit of the department is now looking into the crash, and authorities said the investigation could take up to four weeks to complete.
In the meantime, those who knew and loved Tyner are trying to come to terms with his untimely and tragic death.
"He moved here from Kansas City, and he came out here by himself because he just loved Colorado," a friend of Tyner said. "He also loved working for the police department."
Tyner joined the Colorado Springs Police Department in 1999 where he served as a patrol officer, neighborhood resource officer and training academy instructor.
He was most recently a member of the motorcycle unit.
"It is difficult to see that he was not very long back out on patrol serving his community, it is just such a tragedy," a friend of Tyner said.
Many of those who came to pay their respects to Tyner Wednesday asked not to be identified.
They wanted instead to keep the focus on their fallen friend and comrade.
"He was very kind and gentle, he was quiet and private, and just all around a very good guy," a friend of Tyner said.
"It is just really good to know the community comes together and pulls together for the families," a fellow law enforcement officer said.
As the details of Tuesday's crash continue to unfold, Tyner's friends said they will keep their focus on him and the job, which he loved so much.
"Always be thankful when we come home," a fellow law enforcement officer said.
The Colorado Springs Police Protective Association (CSPPA) is flying Matthew Tyner's family to Colorado for his funeral.
The association's Fallen Officer Fund will cover all of the expenses, including lodging.
If you would like to help, the CSPPA is accepting donations.
Donations can be mailed to:
The Colorado Springs Police Protective Association
Attn: Fallen Officer Fund
559 E. Pike Peak, Suite 102
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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