The Colorado State Patrol has identified the man who died in a two-vehicle crash on U.S Highway 160/491 as Ernest R. Begay, 69, of Kayenta, Arizona.
The head-on crash occurred Dec. 31 at mile marker 33 around 1 p.m., 4 miles south of Cortez.
According to Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gary Cutler, Begay was northbound in a red Chevy Cruze when he attempted to pass another vehicle, but was not clear of oncoming traffic. He collided with a southbound Ram pickup truck. Begay died at the scene.
The driver of the pickup was transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and alcohol or drugs were not involved, Cutler said.
The vehicles sustained heavy damage and were thrown off the west side of the highway. A front wheel of the truck was sheared off.
The vehicle Begay was attempting to pass was not involved in the crash, Cutler said. No citations were issued.
The incident occurred on a straight section of the two-lane highway with a dotted yellow line and posted speed limit of 65 mph.
Traffic was delayed, but drivers were allowed through on an alternating basis. Agencies that responded to the crash include the state patrol, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, Cortez Fire Protection District, Southwest Health System, Colorado Department of Transportation, Ute Mountain Ute Fire Department and Montezuma County Coroner Office.
