Fatal crash on June 22 at the intersection of Barnes Road and Peterson Road

On Monday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) was notified of a rollover traffic crash near the intersection of Barnes Road and Peterson Road. Upon arrival, officers determined that a vehicle traveling eastbound on Barnes Road collided with a vehicle traveling northbound on Peterson Road. The driver of the northbound vehicle was ejected during the crash. Officers and medical personnel provided immediate on-scene medical aid, and the individual was transported to a local hospital.

Despite medical intervention, the driver succumbed to his injuries. Two minors were also in the vehicle that rolled over; one sustained minor injury, and the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the eastbound vehicle was not injured. Due to the circumstances of the crash, the CSPD Major Crash Team (MCT) responded and has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Currently, the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, CSPD was notified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office that the deceased driver had been positively identified as 41-year-old Michael Michaelis. A photo of Mr. Michaelis has been provided by his family below.

This incident marks the 29th traffic fatality in Colorado Springs in 2026. At this time last year, the city experienced 20 traffic fatalities. Over the past 365 days, there have been 63 traffic-related fatalities within the city.

This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information or who was a witness to this incident is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-4000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.