by Grand Junction, Colo. – A 41-year-old Grand Junction man suffered life-threatening injuries early Sunday morning after his vehicle rolled on Interstate 70 near Fruita when it struck a horse that had entered the roadway. Details of the crash were first reported by KREX, citing information from state authorities.
Crash Occurred in Early Morning Hours
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 1:37 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-70 at mile marker 22. Troopers said a horse wandered onto the highway and was struck by multiple vehicles.
The first vehicle to hit the animal was a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by the 41-year-old man. After impact, the SUV rolled and came to rest on its roof, trapping the driver inside the vehicle.
Driver Trapped and Transported With Severe Injuries
State patrol officials said emergency crews responded quickly to the scene and extricated the driver from the overturned vehicle. He was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“After impact, the Land Cruiser ended up rolling, coming to rest on its roof,” said Trooper Gabriel Moltrer of the Colorado State Patrol. “That driver was transported to an area hospital for life-threatening injuries.”
The driver was later identified through a GoFundMe page as Kyle Freud of Grand Junction. Friends described him as a husband, father, and longtime member of the Land Cruiser and off-road community.
Second Vehicle Involved, Horse Killed
Authorities said a second vehicle, a Ford F-250 driven by a 17-year-old male from Peyton, also struck the horse after it entered the roadway. The teenage driver was not injured in the collision.
The horse died at the scene, according to officials. Investigators have not yet confirmed how or where the animal escaped onto the interstate.
Interstate 70 Closed for Several Hours
The crash forced eastbound lanes of I-70 to close for several hours while emergency responders worked to clear the scene. Crews removed the damaged vehicles and debris from the roadway with assistance from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Traffic was fully restored shortly before 5 a.m., state officials said.
Officials Urge Caution on Rural Highways
Authorities are reminding drivers to remain alert on rural highways, particularly during overnight and early morning hours when wildlife activity is more common.
“When you see an animal in the roadway, brake firmly. Don’t swerve,” said Chuck Marsh, regional communications manager for CDOT. “The last thing you want to do is end up in oncoming traffic or off the road.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Colorado State Patrol said the crash remains under investigation, including efforts to determine where the horse originated and how it gained access to the interstate. No additional details have been released at this time.
