Ernest House Sr., a former chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado, died in a motorcycle accident on Saturday. He was 65.

House was returning home from a motorcycle rally when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle that was trying to pass another vehicle, The Denver Post reported. He was alert and talking but later died after being taken to a hospital in Farmington, New Mexico.

"As hard as it is, he went peacefully," Ernest House Jr. told the paper.

The elder House led his tribe for four terms as chairman. His most recent term ended in 2010.

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"Brilliant, courageous and inspired leader" Ernest House Sr. killed in motorcycle crash (The Denver Post 9/19)