Former Colorado Springs journalist killed in west side crash
Rob Larimer, a former journalist with The Gazette and the Colorado Springs Business Journal, died late Wednesday in a crash on the west side of Colorado Springs, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office confirmed.
His wife, Michelle Beckmann, shared news of the tragedy on her Facebook page early Thursday.
“My wonderful, kind, funnier-than-anyone husband, Rob Larimer, was killed in a car accident in Old Colorado City last night. I know Rob was loved by so many of us and this is all so surreal. Please stay tuned for information on how we can celebrate his life. Today I look forward to some private time with our beautiful, precious daughters. God bless.”
According to police reports, the SUV driven by Larimer was westbound in the eastbound lanes of West Colorado Avenue when he lost control of his vehicle about 11:45 p.m. The SUV hit a curb and crashed into a tree on the 2700 block, in front of a business.
Larimer was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Larimer was born and raised in the Denver area and attended Metropolitan State College in Denver.
He worked as a reporter with The Gazette’s weekly community newspaper The Slice from 2002 to 2003.
In 2004, he became a reporter at the Colorado Springs Business Journal and was promoted to managing editor in 2007. In September 2013, Larimer left the Business Journal and returned to The Gazette in October as a reporter and editor until early May.
Larimer also worked for MetroNorth Newspapers in Westminster from 2003 to 2004 and was an intern for the Rocky Mountain News.
“He had a lot of positive relationships with so many people in the community and he did a great job of representing the Business Journal, especially among the business community,” said Ralph Routon, Business Journal executive editor. “This just feels so terrible for his family, he was completely involved with his girls.”
Larimer lived in Manitou Springs, where he was active in the community.
Teri Christman, volunteer coordinator for the Manifest event held last weekend in Manitou Springs, said Larimer was a good friend who will be sorely missed.
“Rob was probably the nicest person I have ever met,” she said in an email. “He always had a smile, a kind word, a joke or a hug for you. He ran a monthly music jam and always gently pushed and prodded everyone into participating. He gave so many the confidence to perform with his enthusiastic encouragement. Even if it was just with the tambourine.”
Nick “Nico” Nytes said he and Larimer played together in the band “Slightly Bent” from 2011 to summer 2013 after Larimer responded to a Craigslist ad for musicians. And Larimer hosted so-called Sunday rambles for friends and their families to share food and music. After Larimer left the band, the rambles continued, Nytes said.
Nytes said he talked to Larimer hours before the fatal crash about a Fender Stratocaster he was repainting and refinishing in bright hunter’s orange for his friend. Sticking him with the guitar, Nytes said, was fitting of Larimer’s sense of humor.
“Hey Rob, I’ll finish your guitar and hold on to it for you. I’ll give it to you when we meet up again,” he said.
Larimer is survived by his wife and twin daughters.
Rob Larimer Monday, October 28, 2013. The Gazette, Mark Reis
Photo via KKTV
Rob Larimer worked as a reporter and editor at The Gazette and Colorado Springs Business Journal.