Jesse Bowers, 41, of Craig, was killed in a motorcycle accident around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Colorado State Patrol.

“Jesse was a great guy and an inspiration to many,” family member Aaron Bowers told the Craig Daily Press via social media. “He always had a smile on his face and would do anything to help somebody out, even if it meant giving his last dollar up. He loved life and he loved his family more than anything.”

Troopers on the scene determined that a black 2002 Honda CBR 900, driven by Bowers, was travelling north on Colorado Highway 13 near milepost 85. On a right curve about 5 miles south of Craig, Bowers travelled across the highway onto the left shoulder and collided with a guardrail.

Bowers was ejected over the guardrail and down a steep embankment. He was wearing a helmet but sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash, according to the news release.

Excessive speed is being investigated as the cause of the crash.

“Right now we suspect that excessive speed might have been the factor that caused that crash so the biggest piece of advice would be to definitely drive the speed limit or slower,” Trooper Luke Zellman said.

A toxicology report is pending but drugs or alcohol are not expected to be factors in the crash, according to the news release.

Colorado State Patrol, Craig Fire/Rescue and The Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene.

“I can’t even explain how much of positive impact he’s made on my life and how much I’ve learned from him. He could put a smile on anybody’s face when times were rough. I know he’ll always be watching over us and leading us on the right path. He really was an amazing guy and he’ll always be in my heart,” Aaron Bowers said.

Reach Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@craigdailypress.com. Follow him on Twitter@M_PKelly.