Nathrop, CO (September 4, 2024) – A fatal collision occurred on Monday along Hwy 285 when a Toyota 4Runner attempted an illegal pass, crashing head-on into a Wilderness Aware Rafting van. The crash killed a passenger in the SUV, identified as Justin Stensland, 49, from Salida. The 33-year-old driver of the 4Runner, from Golden, suffered life-threatening injuries.
The van’s 70-year-old driver and five passengers were seriously injured. The Chaffee County Coroner and Colorado State Patrol are investigating. Charges are pending against the 4Runner driver.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.