Judge Patrick Murphy issued an arrest warrant yesterday for the woman involved in the fatal crash July 2 on Monarch Pass. 

69-year-old Diane Rae Patten of Somerset was driving westbound over Monarch Pass when she crossed over the center line and collided head on with a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of Travis and Linda York of Indiana.

Patten faces two charges of vehicular homicide, driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, two counts of careless driving causing death and driving a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Patten admitted to a Colorado State Trooper that she had consumed beer and marijuana earlier in the day. 

After a search of Patten’s car, the trooper reported finding six empty beer cans and another six pack of beer with one open can. He also found pipes and a jar of loose, un-smoked marijuana. 

Her license was under suspension due to no insurance. Patten was also injured in the crash, suffering a fractured hip. 

A court date will be determined pending Patten’s release from the hospital.

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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