Overview
- The Colorado State Patrol says the southbound 2020 Freightliner crashed around 8:20–8:30 a.m. near milepost 161 on U.S. 160, about 17 miles north of Pagosa Springs.
- Troopers report the truck hit the right barrier, broke through the left guardrail, and tumbled down a steep embankment, destroying the cab and trailer.
- The driver was ejected, initially not found in the debris field, and later pronounced dead at the scene; he was identified as a 23-year-old man from New York.
- CSP’s preliminary findings cite excessive speed with brake smoke observed and note the driver did not take a runaway truck ramp located roughly 1.5 miles uphill.
- CDOT and CSP Hazmat cleared spilled canned drinks from the roadway, an extended recovery of the wreckage is underway, and the Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the ongoing probe, with Wolf Creek Pass’ crash history providing context.