Bent County Highway Accident Claims Lamar Life

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted one person suffering fatal injuries along with three other that suffered serious bodily injuries. The crash occurred on Colorado Highway 50, approximately 11 miles east of Las Animas, near milepost 411.

At approximately 1000 hours, a 2000 Chrysler 300 driven by 23 year-old Jose Fernandez, out of Ocoee Florida was traveling eastbound, when the Chrysler drifted into the westbound lane in front of a westbound  2012 Ford F150, which was driven by 18-year-old Juan Henry out of Presidio, Texas. The Chrysler and the Ford, in an effort to avoid a collision both traveled into the eastbound lane where they collided. The Chrysler rotated slightly in a clockwise direction and came to rest on its wheels facing southbound. The Ford traveled off the south side of the road, collided with a fence and rolled ¼ times coming to rest on the driver side facing northbound.

Jose Fernandez was transported to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, Colorado and later transported to St Mary Corwin Hospital, in Pueblo, Colorado with serious injuries.

Juan Henry was also transported to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, Colorado with minor injuries.

The left rear passenger of the Ford 62-year-old Augustina Rivera out of Lamar, Colorado was pronounced deceased on scene by the Bent County Coroner.

The two remaining passengers of the Ford, 56 Year-old Jimmie Duran and 61 year-old Jesusita Anita Duran both of Lamar, Colorado were transported to Parkview Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado via Flight for Life with serious injuries.

Neither alcohol nor speed is considered a contributing factor in the crash. However, the crash does remain under investigation.