CSP – Single Vehicle Fatality in Otero County

The Colorado State Patrol Office in La Junta is currently investigating a single vehicle accident that resulted in one fatality.

On Monday, September 22, 2014 at approximately 05:35 AM, a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Matthew Rusher, age 33, of La Junta, CO, was westbound on Otero County Road 811 when the driver failed to negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway.

The Chevrolet Malibu went off the left side of the roadway and began to rotate clockwise. After becoming broadside, the Malibu rolled one and three quarter times, ejecting the driver. The Malibu came to rest on the driver’s side, facing north. The driver was pronounced deceased by the Otero County Coroner at the scene.

Excessive speed and alcohol or drug use are not believed to be factors in the crash. However, seatbelts were likely not in use at the time of the crash.