Fatal Crash on Highway 160

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash resulting in one fatality that occurred on Colorado 160, 40 miles east of Trinidad. A 1995 Ford 150 was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of Colorado 160. The Ford collided head-on with a semi tractor trailer. The semi was traveling eastbound on Colorado 160 in the eastbound lane. After the impact the Ford rotated counter-clockwise off the right side of the road and rolled one time. The Ford came to rest on its roof. The semi continued east on Colorado 160 and drove off the left side of the road colliding with a guard rail. The semi came to rest on its wheels and caught on fire.

The Ford’s driver, 21 year old Caleb Howard of Red River New Mexico, died on-scene as a result of his injuries. At the time of the crash Caleb was not wearing his seatbelt. The semi’s driver, 42 year old Ty Modisette of New Mexico was injured in the crash. At the time of the crash Ty Modisette was wearing his seatbelt and was transported to Mt. San Rafael with serious injuries.

There were three other passengers in the semi. Two of the passengers also sustained injuries in the crash, and all three were transported the Mt. San Rafael.

Alcohol, drugs and speed are not a contributing factor in the crash. The crash continues to be investigated.  The report was issued by the Colorado Patrol at 0344 hours on Saturday, March 23, 2013.