Driver with High THC Levels Dies in Million Dollar Highway Crash
A 42-year-old man died after rolling his car off the Million Dollar Highway in Ouray County on August 5.
Louis Michael was driving a Honda Civic westbound on U.S. 550 when he reversed and lost control, causing the vehicle to go off the road at mile marker 88. The car rolled approximately 400 feet down a mountain, landing upside down in Red Mountain Creek, a Colorado State Patrol spokesperson said. Both Michael and his 79-year-old passenger, Leoba Valdez, suffered fatal blunt-force injuries.
A toxicology report revealed Michael had 192 nanograms per milliliter of Delta 9 THC in his blood, nearly 40 times the legal driving limit of five nanograms per milliliter in Colorado. Valdez had no drugs in her system, according to her autopsy report. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews were deployed to rescue an unidentified girl trapped inside the vehicle for over two hours. She was transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities emphasize that drivers can face impairment charges for any noticeable signs of impairment, regardless of THC levels.
For further updates, check local news sources.