Fatal car crash kills two from Salida, injures four from Alamosa

SAGUACHE COUNTY — A two-car crash on Highway 17 at Milepost 110.7 in Saguache County on Saturday, March 11, resulted in two deaths and multiple serious injuries, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

Killed were Jeffery C. Shacklett, 45 of Salida, and his son, Jeffrey P. Shacklett, 16, a student at Salida High School, CSP reported.

At approximately 11 a.m. on March 11, a red Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound when it slid on wet pavement and traveled across the center line into the southbound line and struck a red Pontiac Vibe killing both Shacklett and his son, CSP reported.

Passengers injured in the Jeep and transported by ambulance to the hospital in Alamosa were Thia Garcia, 33, Isidro Garcia, 39, Jazlin Garcia, 14, and Uria Garcia, 9, all of Alamosa.

Drugs or alcohol were not suspected to be contributing factors in this accident, CSP reported.

The Salida School District issued this statement to parents and guardians:

As you may be aware, our school has experienced the death of a student that has affected us deeply. Jeff “Buck” Shacklett and his father, Jeffrey “Mo” Shacklett, passed away in a car accident near Saguache on Highway 17 yesterday, Saturday, March 11. Buck was a 9th-grade student and a long-time member of the Salida Family.  

Students, staff, and community members will react in different ways to the death of one of our school community members. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and encourage an open expression of feelings. 

At school, we will implement a plan for responding to this tragic event focused on helping our students and families.  Counseling will be available tomorrow, Monday, March 13, for students and staff members. If your child or family needs counseling support, please visit room 107 at Salida High School. Counselors will be staffing the location throughout the day.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact SHS at 719-530-5400. We know you will join with your concern and sympathy for the family.


Video News