DENVER — A wrong-way crash on Interstate 70 in Mesa County on July 20, 2023, resulted in one fatality and six serious injuries.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the incident occurred when a Subaru Outback, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, collided head-on with a Ford F-150. The impact killed the 32-year-old driver of the Subaru, who was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.235, nearly three times the legal limit.
The driver of the F-150, a 40-year-old man from Thornton, along with five passengers—including two minors aged 13 and 10—were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries. Their current medical conditions are unknown.
Following the crash, the Subaru rolled down an embankment and caught fire. The Colorado State Patrol's Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, which caused significant lane closures on the interstate for several hours.
Authorities have ruled the manner of death for the Subaru driver as an intentional act. Officials are urging anyone in a mental health crisis to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support.