A Cortez man was killed Thursday night after a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 160/491, near western town limits of Cortez.
According to Colorado State Trooper Jeffrey Chmielewski, around 6 p.m. Thursday a yellow 1969 Ford pickup was headed east on Highway 160/491, toward Cortez when it crossed into the oncoming lane.
The Ford pickup collided with a semitrailer being pulled by a white 2013 Kenworth semi-tractor, Chmielewski.
The Ford pickup spun and hit a guardrail on the west side of the road. A tire detached from the semi and hit a blue 2017 Subaru Impreza traveling in the eastbound lane.
The driver of the Ford pickup, identified as Alfonso Rascon, 72, of Cortez, was taken to Southwest Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the semi-tractor, as well as the driver and juvenile passenger of the Subaru, were not injured.
Chmielewski said the crash remains under investigation; drugs, alcohol and excessive speed are not considered factors.
“The Colorado State Patrol would like to extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragedy,” Chmielewski said.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
