Saturday crash kills pedestrian

CAPULIN — La Jara resident Juanita Martinez, 45, died in a vehicle/pedestrian collision on Saturday night just north of Capulin on Colorado Highway 15.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, on September 23 at approximately 11:40 p.m., a white Subaru Forrester driven by DeShon Martinez, 20, of Capulin was heading north on Colorado Highway 15, just north of Capulin. Two pedestrians were walking northbound in the southbound lane on Colorado 15. 

The Subaru crossed into the southbound lane where it struck and killed the first pedestrian, Martinez, who was pronounced deceased due to the injuries sustained in the crash. The Subaru continued northbound, off the left side of the road. The second pedestrian, identified as Seantrei Waldroupe, 18, of Manassa, was walking just off the left side of the road and was struck by the vehicle or debris from the first collision. He left the scene with minor injuries.

The Subaru continued northbound off the left side of the road where it struck a fence and a utility pole. The Subaru rolled and came to rest on its right side. According to the State Patrol, the driver fled the scene but was found later. He received serious injuries in the crash.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. Seatbelts were not in use.  Speed is also believed to be a factor.

The crash remains under investigation.