The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Parlin couple killed in August incident
By Mark Reaman
A Crested Butte man has been officially charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident that occurred on Highway 50 last August.
According to Seventh Judicial District district attorney’s office spokesperson Sherrie McKenzie, two charges were filed against Erik Klemme on December 4 after a review of the reports and case file submitted by Colorado State Patrol. The charges are careless driving causing death in regard to the death of Donavon Moss and careless driving causing death in regard to Kaycee Moss.
The accident occurred August 28 east of Gunnison on Highway 50 near the intersection with Highway 114. According to the Colorado State Patrol at the time, the major three-car accident resulted in Donavon Moss and his wife, Kaycee, of Parlin being killed as they were driving home headed east on Highway 50. Klemme was heading west toward Gunnison when he swerved to avoid a truck turning onto the highway from 114. His truck struck the Audi carrying the couple. Donavon died at the scene and Kaycee was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, where she later died. The patrol said alcohol, drugs or excessive speed were not factors in the crash.
Klemme was served a summons and is scheduled to appear in court on January 21, 2020. McKenzie said the counts are class 1 misdemeanor/traffic. She explained that if found guilty a sentence could be imposed, with respect to each count, anywhere from 10 days in jail and a $300 fine to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
