Tragic Accident Claims Lives of CDOT Workers and Passenger
State officials have identified the two Colorado Department of Transportation workers and a passenger who tragically lost their lives in a devastating crash on U.S. 6 near Palisade.
Trent Umberger and Nate Jones, both transportation maintenance professionals based in Grand Junction, were struck by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee while they were working on a sign on the side of U.S. 6. The collision resulted in their untimely deaths at the scene of the accident.
The passenger in the Jeep, Kathi Ann Wallace of Grand Junction, also tragically lost her life in the crash. Wallace was the wife of the Jeep driver, who sustained minor injuries and was treated at the hospital before being released.
Umberger, who joined CDOT in 2017, was known for his work on the Vail Pass joint operations team during the winter. Jones, who started at CDOT in 2022, was on track to complete the agency’s maintenance apprenticeship program.
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew expressed her condolences, stating, “Trent and Nate were beloved members of CDOT region 3, section 2, dedicated to their families and the safety of the public.”
The Colorado State Patrol is currently investigating the crash to determine the cause. Despite the tragedy, investigators do not believe impairment played a role in the accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
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