James Spencer obituary, death: 81-Year-Old Victim of Fatal Traffic Accident on Interstate 25
James Spencer, an 81-year-old resident, tragically lost his life in a traffic accident on Interstate 25 the day before Thanksgiving. The El Paso County Coroner identified Spencer as the victim of the fatal incident, which resulted in the closure of both the northbound and southbound lanes of the highway for several hours on Wednesday, November 27.
The sequence of events began when Spencer and another driver were involved in a minor accident in the northbound lanes of I-25 near the CO 105 exit close to Monument. After the initial collision, the two drivers pulled their vehicles to the far-left median and exited to exchange insurance and contact information. While they were in the process of exchanging details, a pickup truck traveling at a high speed struck the parked vehicles on the left-hand shoulder.
The impact from the truck caused the parked cars to collide with Spencer, propelling him over the median barrier and into the southbound lanes of traffic. Tragically, Spencer was struck and killed by oncoming vehicles in the southbound lanes.
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Vehicular Crimes Unit is actively investigating the incident. Authorities are looking into factors such as the speed of the pickup truck and whether driver negligence or other elements contributed to the crash.
Officials have emphasized the dangers of standing outside vehicles on busy highways, particularly in high-speed areas like I-25. Pulling over to the shoulder, even for brief interactions, can expose drivers and passengers to significant risks.
In the wake of the crash, CSP is appealing to the public for assistance. Witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the incident are urged to contact the agency at 719-544-2424. The information could help reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy and potentially lead to accountability for those involved.
This fatal accident serves as a grim reminder of the hazards present on highways, especially during high-traffic periods such as the holiday season. It underscores the importance of safety precautions when dealing with roadside emergencies, including staying inside vehicles when possible and moving to safer locations away from traffic flow.
James Spencer’s passing marks a somber moment for his community and highlights the enduring need for awareness and caution on the road. The Colorado State Patrol continues its efforts to understand the circumstances of this devastating incident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
