The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Highway 285 near marker 140 in Chaffee County, Colorado.
The crash occurred on March 4, 2021 at approximately 8:04 am.
A 2014 Honda CRV was traveling north on Highway 285 when the driver lost control and went into the oncoming lane of traffic. The Honda collided head-on with a Colorado Department of Transportation plow that was actively plowing the roadway. The Honda went off the west side of the roadway where it rolled two and three quarter times, coming to rest on its passenger side. The CDOT plow came to a controlled stop in the roadway.
The driver of the Honda was identified as 46 year old John Daugherty of Salida, CO. Mr. Daugherty, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced as deceased at the scene of the crash. Mr. Daugherty was wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the CDOT plow was identified as 54 year old Thomas McLain of Buena Vista, CO. Mr. McLain was the sole occupant of the plow and was not injured in the crash. Mr. McLain was wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash.
Excessive speed for the winter road conditions is being considered as a factor for the Honda.
Drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors at this time. The crash remains under investigation.
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