Granada Resident Dies in One Vehicle Accident

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a one vehicle traffic accident that occurred on Prowers County Road 196 at approximately mile post 33.

At approximately 1030 last night (April 18, 2013), a 1991 Buick sedan was traveling east bound on Prowers County Road 196, approximately 15 miles east of Lamar, when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road. The driver over-corrected and the vehicle began to rotate counter-clockwise as it went into a broadside skid back across County Road 196. The vehicle then ran off the left side of the road traveling backwards, colliding with a ditch and rolling ¼ times onto its side briefly. The vehicle then came to rest back on its wheels facing southwest.

During the crash the driver of the Buick was partially ejected. He was identified as 33-year-old Faustino Perez-Benitez from Granada, Colorado and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Prowers County Coroner. He was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. The Colorado State Patrol believes falling asleep while driving is considered the primary cause of the crash.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to have been involved.