Estes Park, CO (September 9, 2024) – Three people were injured after a reckless driver caused a crash near the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. The incident occurred as Wayde Thyfault of Hudson sped through the park’s Trail Ridge Rd on Sunday, September 8. Park law enforcement rangers attempted to stop him after he entered through the Grand Lake entrance and drove dangerously along the 48-mile stretch.
Despite efforts to halt him using stop sticks at Deer Ridge Junction, Thyfault continued his high-speed drive, eventually colliding with another vehicle. The three victims were rushed to Estes Park Health, one sustaining critical injuries. Following the crash, Thyfault fled the scene but was apprehended on Monday morning near High Drive in Estes Park.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into both incidents. Further updates will be provided as they become available.