A 40-year-old California man was pronounced dead on the scene after a head-on collision about 8 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. 491 north of Pleasant View.
A Colorado State Patrol spokesperson said Gabriel Zamario Chavez died after his southbound 2006 Honda SUV crossed the center line, hitting a 2014 International semi-trailer driven by Daniel Vanlandingham, 27, also of California. Vanlandingham suffered moderate injuries, and was transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital.
“The SUV bounced off the truck,” the CSP spokesman said.
The semi jack-knifed.
The CSP spokesperson said no indicators – drug, alcohol, excessive speed or cellphone use – have been linked to the cause of the collision.
“Both parties were wearing their seat belts,” said the CSP spokesman.
A final report is due in a few days and will include mechanical inspections of both vehicles.