Head-on collision near Gunnison leaves one dead

GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – A 61-year-old man died in a two-vehicle crash that closed U.S. Highway 50 west of Gunnison on Monday afternoon. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 61-year-old Morrison man, was traveling eastbound, while a 28-year-old Leadville man, driving a Jeep Wrangler pulling a small camper, was heading westbound. The Silverado veered into the westbound lane and struck the Wrangler head-on, causing both cars to spin. The Wrangler went off the shoulder and rolled, before coming to a rest on its side. The car then caught fire. The driver of the Silverado was pronounced dead while he was airlifted to the hospital. The Gunnison County coroner will release the name of the deceased once next-of-kin have been contacted. The Wrangler driver was also airlifted and has life-threatening injuries, according to CSP. The road was temporarily closed but has since been reopened. The CSP vehicular crimes unit is investigating the crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it can contact CSP dispatch at 970-240-4392 and reference case number VC260324.