CDOT Worker Killed On Monarch Pass Remembered As 'Tremendous Man'
CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- A Colorado Department of Transportation worker, killed while working on Highway 50 on Friday afternoon, is being remembered as a good worker and friend.
David Morris of Salida, was working on U.S. 50 at Monarch Pass about 2:30 p.m. Friday when a semi-truck traveling eastbound on the highway didn't stop at a construction signal and crossed into westbound lanes. The semi crashed into the CDOT plow truck driven by Morris, 61. The semi also struck two other vehicles.
"Just a tremendous loss, not just in the area that he worked, but really CDOT-wide as we all realize that our employees are out there on the road, put their lives on the line essentially when they go out to do work, and something like this hits very close to home," said CDOT Director of Communications Amy Ford.
There was construction on Monarch Pass and there was only one lane open. Eastbound traffic was stopped for westbound traffic to cross over but the semi didn't stop and swerved into the westbound lanes.
Ford believes Morris' sacrifice may have saved others' lives, "Had he not been there and had his plow not been there, this tragedy perhaps could have been far worse for all of the vehicles that were around."
Morris was inside the truck when it was struck by the semi. He died instantly.
CDOT said it was starting to snow in the area when the crash happened.
"Dave was a do-er and just a tremendous man," said David Vialpando, CDOT Maintenance Superintendent for Alamosa, in a statement. "Everyone has a story about David; he was that type of coworker and friend. He touched everyone he knew."
"David was on his way to serve the public when this terrible accident happened," said CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhatt in a statement. "Everyone who puts on the orange realizes they put themselves at risk when they go on the road. If not for David's presence and sacrifice, yesterday's tragedy may have been even worse. We are incredibly grateful for his service to CDOT and the residents of Colorado."
Morris had worked for CDOT since 2011 and was a member of the maintenance crew that serviced Monarch Pass.
The driver of the semi, Edward Osterloh, was flown in a medical helicopter to Penrose Hospital with serious injuries.
Colorado State Patrol spokesman Nate Reid told CBS4 there is a possibility Osterloh, 50, of Rifle, will face charges. Troopers need to conclude their investigation before charges are considered. Reid said no drugs or alcohol is suspected.
Highway 50 reopened at 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Since 1929, 58 employees have died in the line of duty with the most recent CDOT fatality occurred in 2009.
Ford and her CDOT colleagues are wearing orange ribbons to send a message in the wake of Morris' death.
"When you see people in orange and you see vehicles in orange, drive slowly, drive carefully, put down your phone and pay attention to where you are because literally, someone's life is at stake," said Ford.
Additional Information from CDOT:
Contributions in David's memory may be sent to CDOT's Helping Hands, a program to assist CDOT families in need. Checks can be mailed to 4201 East Arkansas Avenue, Denver, CO 80222.
