A 47-year-old Glenwood Springs woman was struck and killed Wednesday night on westbound I-70 near mile marker 113, about three miles west of town, after she was hit by a semitruck, authorities said. Investigators say the truck driver pulled over at first but left before law enforcement arrived, and troopers now believe they have identified a suspect and are working to find him. Westbound I-70 was closed for about five hours while investigators processed the crash scene and cleared the roadway.
According to a Colorado State Patrol news release, reported by The Denver Post, the crash happened at about 7:16 p.m. Wednesday when a semi towing an enclosed utility box trailer hit a pedestrian who had walked into the right westbound lane. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Garfield County coroner will release her name after next-of-kin notifications are complete.
Troopers say the truck driver initially stopped near the impact but drove off before officers got there. Investigators have since identified the vehicle and a suspect, but they are not releasing the person's name while the search continues. Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured video is asked to call Colorado State Patrol dispatch at (970) 249-4392 and reference case VC260017, according to KKTV.
Troopers Search For Suspect
Colorado State Patrol officials say they have identified the semitruck and a possible driver and are actively working to locate him. According to The Denver Post, troopers are urging the public not to confront anyone they believe might be involved or to pull over along the highway to play detective. Instead, they want witnesses to contact state patrol dispatch so investigators can gather any dashcam footage, cellphone video, or eyewitness accounts without creating new hazards on I-70.
Glenwood Canyon Safety Context
Glenwood Canyon's narrow, twisting stretches of I-70, combined with heavy winter truck traffic, have made the area a repeat trouble spot for commercial-vehicle crashes. In response, state officials have tightened rules in recent years to keep large trucks in the right lane and to lower speeds in especially risky sections. CBS News Colorado has reported on those stepped-up enforcement efforts and on a state law aimed at reducing catastrophic semi crashes in the canyon. Officials say those changes are designed to cut down on the kind of serious wrecks that trigger long closures and major travel disruptions.
Possible Legal Exposure For Driver Who Fled
Under Colorado law, failing to stay at the scene of a crash that results in death can bring serious criminal consequences. Leaving after a collision that causes a death can be charged as a class 3 felony, with potential prison time and significant fines, according to Shouse Law Group. The Colorado Department of Revenue notes that hit-and-run convictions where injury or death occurred also trigger automatic administrative license revocation and related DMV action. What, if any, charges are ultimately filed in this case will depend on what investigators uncover and how prosecutors decide to proceed.
