Crested Butte resident killed in Hwy 50 car crash

Two injured in crash

A traffic accident on Highway 50 just west of McCabe’s Lane left one Crested Butte resident injured and took the life of another last Saturday. According to information provided by Colorado State Patrol Sergeant John Ehmsen, 30-year-old Sarah Dean died when her Volkswagen drifted into oncoming traffic while westbound on Highway 50.

Dean tried to swerve back into her lane, but her car was struck by an eastbound Dodge van. Witnesses said the Volkswagen was not attempting to pass, and Ehmsen’s report states, “There is no evidence to suggest that excessive speed was a factor for either vehicle.”
The passenger in Dean’s car, 30-year old Crested Butte resident Jill McCord, survived the crash but did sustain what are being called “serious injuries.” She was transported initially to Gunnison Valley Hospital (GVH) and then flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. Hospital officials there confirmed that McCord was treated and released from care on Sunday, August 12, but did not detail injuries.
The driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle, a 59-year-old Alamosa woman, was also transported to GVH for treatment of minor injuries. Michelle Campbell, chief marketing and business development officer at GVH, confirmed that the second driver was treated and released.
Dean and McCord were also traveling with two dogs, one of which was killed. The second was transported to Town and Country Animal Hospital in what seemed to be good condition. According to Ehmsen, all occupants of both vehicles were wearing seat belts, and normal toxicology reports are pending.