The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Still under investigation
By Mark Reaman
Two people died in a major three-car accident east of Gunnison on Wednesday evening, August 28 at about 7 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 114.
According to Colorado State Patrol trooper Gary Cutler, 70-year-old Donavon Moss of Parlin died at the scene. Trooper Josh Lewis confirmed that Donavon’s wife Kaycee, who went by Patty, died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction after being flown there for life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash. Several other people involved in the crash suffered injuries and were taken to the Gunnison Valley Hospital.
As of Tuesday, September 3 the accident was still under investigation. Cutler said Donavon Moss was a passenger in an Audi headed east on Highway 50 driven by his 58-year-old wife, Kaycee Moss. A Dodge Ram pick-up was turning left (to head west) onto Highway 50 from Highway 114 when a Chevy Silverado headed west on Highway 50 veered into the eastbound lane to avoid the pick-up and pass the turning vehicle. It struck the Audi on the front passenger side of the car. The Silverado was driven by 61-year-old Erik Klemme of Crested Butte.
Donavon Moss died at the scene. The driver of the Dodge Ram, Doroteo Escarcega-Bencomo of Delta, suffered minor injuries. Klemme suffered moderate injuries. All three drivers were taken to the Gunnison hospital and Mrs. Moss was then transported to St. Mary’s.
Cutler said the investigating officers do not suspect that alcohol, drugs or excessive speed were a factor in the accident. The investigation is ongoing and Cutler said officers would finish the investigation before making a recommendation to the district attorney about whether to file any charges in the incident. Lewis said that as of Tuesday, September 3, the investigation remained open and no charges had been filed against anyone involved in the incident.
