Eads Resident Dies in Cheyenne County Crash

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a traffic crash involving two vehicles that resulted in one fatality in Cheyenne County, approximately 33 miles east of Hugo, CO.

A 2011 Nissan Xterra was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of Colorado 40. A 2013 Peterbilt, pulling a tanker trailer, was traveling eastbound at the same location. The driver of the Peterbilt attempted to avoid the Nissan, but the Nissan collided its front with the right front of the Peterbilt. After impact, the Nissan was pushed back eastbound, going off the south side of the road and came to rest on its wheels. The Nissan then erupted into flames. The Peterbilt continued eastbound, going off the north side of the road, coming to rest on its wheels, in a barrow ditch.

The driver of the Nissan, was identified at 65-year-old Michael Manley of Eads, CO. Mr. Manley was restrained at the time of the crash, but died as a result of his injuries.  The driver of the Peterbilt, was identified as 23-year-old Alric Small of Houston, TX. Mr. Small was restrained at the time of the crash, but transported to Keefe Memorial Hospital. He was treated for minor injuries.

At this time, the primary cause of the crash is traveling on the wrong side of the road. Alcohol use and drug use are not considered to be contributing factors in the crash, but being investigated.