A Bayfield woman going into the Giant Conoco was struck by a driver from Dolores on Saturday morning, and she later died from the injuries.
Linda Allenbaugh, 76, was going into the gas station building to get a propane tank filled, according to Bayfield Marshal Joe McIntyre.
Maxim Lowry, 32, had pulled up to the busy gas pumps, which were busy for Memorial Day weekend. He was driving his Ford Ranger pickup through to find an open pump when he apparently glanced to the left, not seeing Allenbaugh, and struck her head on, said Sgt. Dan Abdella. She fell backwards and hit her head on the ground.
McIntyre said he and Abdella arrived within minutes, as did emergency personnel from Upper Pine River Fire. She was transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center, then transferred to San Juan Medical Center in Farmington. Surgery to control the bleeding was unsuccessful.
There is no evidence Lowry was using a phone or texting, and there were no signs of drug or alcohol use, McIntyre said.
In his 20 years of investigating vehicle collisions, this seems to be "truly an accident," he said. He thinks if Allenbaugh had been struck from the side or rear, she might have been able to survive. Both security footage and a witness at the scene show that Lowry wasn't driving fast.
Lowry has been charged with careless driving causing death.
McIntyre said even he was surprised that just a quick glance in the other direction resulted in a fatality.
"We all need to be aware of all surroundings at all times," he said.
