ARCHULETA COUNTY — The Colorado State Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle crash on Highway 160 east of Pagosa Springs that resulted in one fatality and serious injury to multiple juveniles.
At approximately 1:15 a.m. on December 16 a blue 2016 Ford F-150 was westbound toward Pagosa Springs on Highway 160. The Ford F-150 drove off the right side of the road, striking a tree, before rotating into a fence. The vehicle did not roll.
In the front right seat, Holly Buffington-Yake, 33, of Cortez, was not seatbelted. She was ejected and was pronounced dead on he scene. Males age 9 and 10, and a female age 12 sustained serious injury. Females ages 6 and 13, also un-seatbelted, escaped with minor injuries. Only the 9-year old male was seatbelted. The driver, Richard T. Yake, 33 of Cortez sustained no injuries.
Drugs, alcohol, and excessive speed are not considered factors in this crash, which is still under investigation.
The Colorado State Patrol would like to extend its deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy. We ask that you always, always buckle up. Seatbelts are engineered to protect you and those you hold dear, but they must be properly worn.
Multiple agencies in Archuleta County responded to and assisted with this incident.
