The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash resulting in one fatality and four serious injuries near Conifer on Thursday afternoon. At 3:05 p.m., a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer was traveling southbound on Highway 285, near milepost 230. The Mitsubishi traveled across a painted center median and into the northbound lane, colliding head-on with a northbound 2009 Kia Optima. Both vehicles came to rest on the highway.
A passenger in the Kia, 73-year-old Charlene Page of Broken Bow, Nebraska, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kia's driver, 54-year-old Rhonda Rodriguez of Thornton, and another passenger, 76-year-old Paul Page of Broken Bow, both sustained life-threatening injuries. The Kia's final passenger, 60-year-old Francisco Rodriguez of Thornton, sustained serious injuries.
The Mitsubishi's driver, 51-year-old Michelle Whyte of Pine, sustained life-threatening injuries. Prescription drug use, texting, and excessive speed are being investigated as contributing factors in the crash.
All occupants were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
All injured parties were transported to St. Anthony's Central for treatment; Paul Page and Rhonda Rodriguez were transported via Flight For Life, while Whyte and Francisco Rodriguez were transported via ambulance.
Highway 285 was closed for approximately 5 hours during the ensuing crash investigation.
A passenger in the Kia, 73-year-old Charlene Page of Broken Bow, Nebraska, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kia's driver, 54-year-old Rhonda Rodriguez of Thornton, and another passenger, 76-year-old Paul Page of Broken Bow, both sustained life-threatening injuries. The Kia's final passenger, 60-year-old Francisco Rodriguez of Thornton, sustained serious injuries.
The Mitsubishi's driver, 51-year-old Michelle Whyte of Pine, sustained life-threatening injuries. Prescription drug use, texting, and excessive speed are being investigated as contributing factors in the crash.
All occupants were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
All injured parties were transported to St. Anthony's Central for treatment; Paul Page and Rhonda Rodriguez were transported via Flight For Life, while Whyte and Francisco Rodriguez were transported via ambulance.
Highway 285 was closed for approximately 5 hours during the ensuing crash investigation.
