by WOLF CREEK PASS, Colo. — A 23-year-old truck driver from New York was killed Monday morning when his semi-trailer plunged off the steep edge of Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains — a route notorious for its sharp curves and treacherous downhill grade.
Tragic crash in the San Juan Mountains
The Colorado State Patrol said the crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. as the driver, who has not yet been publicly identified, was hauling canned beverages in a 2020 Freightliner semi-truck along U.S. Highway 160.
Investigators believe the truck was traveling at an excessive speed when the driver lost control on the west side of the mountain pass. The semi reportedly struck a left-hand guardrail, then slammed into a barrier wall on the right before the trailer split open, scattering debris and cargo across the road.
The truck then sailed off the edge of the mountain and crashed down a steep slope. The impact caused the driver to be ejected from the cab, and investigators struggled to locate his body amid the vast debris field along the mountainside. He was later found dead at the scene.
Investigators point to missed safety ramp and brake failure
Authorities said the driver failed to use a runaway truck ramp located about 1.5 miles up the highway — a designated safety lane built to help truckers stop when their brakes fail on the steep descent.
Witnesses told investigators they saw smoke coming from the truck’s brakes as it barreled downhill at high speed. The Colorado State Patrol said these details indicate possible brake overheating or failure, a common cause of crashes along the pass.
A deadly stretch for truckers
Wolf Creek Pass — a section of U.S. 160 that crosses the Continental Divide — is infamous among commercial drivers for its 7% downhill grade and sharp curves. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) mandates that all commercial trucks descend at a maximum speed of 25 mph and recommends frequent brake checks.
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According to CDOT data, between 2015 and 2019, there were 47 semi-truck crashes on the west side of the pass, resulting in three fatalities. Many of these incidents occurred at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic overlook, where Monday’s crash also took place.
Ongoing investigation
The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate the exact cause of the crash, including whether mechanical failure or driver error played a role.
Authorities are also reminding truckers to take extra caution when driving through mountain passes, especially during colder months when roads can be slick.
“Wolf Creek Pass is one of Colorado’s most dangerous stretches for heavy trucks,” CDOT said in a statement. “We urge all drivers to use lower gears, maintain safe speeds, and always plan to use the runaway ramps if necessary.”
The victim’s name has not yet been released pending family notification. For more U.S. transportation and safety updates, visit race-day-live.com.
