Gunnison Man Dies After Crash On Snowy US 285
FAIRPLAY, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - The spring storm appears to be to blame for at least one fatal crash in Colorado.
Fifty-five year-old John Wacker of Gunnison died after a vehicle collided with his car on U.S. Highway 285 near Fairplay on Sunday.
There was heavy snow at the time.
Western State Colorado University spokesman Brian Barker said Wacker had been a music teacher there for nine years. He also had a law degree.
The university released a statement saying "the Western State Colorado University community is incredibly saddened by the tragic loss of Dr. John Wacker. John was a mentor, role model, and friend to students, faculty, and community members throughout the Gunnison Valley. He instilled a love of music and an ethic of hard work in students and friends alike. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family."
The driver of the other vehicle, who was traveling in the opposite direction, wasn't seriously hurt.
Colorado State Trooper Eric Zachareas said driving too fast for the conditions may have contributed to the crash.
The highway was one of the worst spots for crashes Sunday.
Two law enforcement cruisers responding to crashes there were hit in less than an hour.
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
