GOLDEN, Colo. — A Jefferson County Sheriff’s motorcycle deputy was killed Sunday morning when his bike collided with an oncoming SUV, the Colorado State Patrol reported.

The deputy was traveling northbound on Highway 93, north of West 64th Parkway in Golden, about 10:05 a.m., CSP said. As the deputy entered a sweeping curve, a 2004 Saturn Vue heading south reportedly crossed the double yellow line into the deputy’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision, CSP said.

The deputy was thrown from his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Though he wore a helmet and eye protection, he died at the scene, according to CSP.

“It’s hard to talk about it because (the deputy who died) meant so much to this organization,” Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink said. “He’s been here a significant amount of time, he obviously had a lot of friends here. I’ve never met a more professional caring guy so that’s what’s tough.”

The deputy’s name was not immediately released.

The driver of the Saturn, 83-year-old Golden resident Kenneth Hosch, was hospitalized with minor injuries.

Drugs and alcohol were not thought to be factors in the case. The roadway was closed for hours while police investigated the accident before reopening about 8 p.m..

“It’s a huge loss,” Mink said of the incident. “There’s over 800 employees here at the Sheriff’s Office and the deputy that lost his life was an integral part of this organization. That’s all I can say.”