Off-Duty Jefferson County Sergeant Killed Helping Motorist On Snowy U.S. 285
CONIFER, Colo. (CBS4) – A sergeant with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was killed after getting struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 285 near Conifer Saturday afternoon.
According to Cpl. Heather Cobler with the Colorado State Patrol, a man driving a pickup truck stopped on the shoulder of the southbound lane of 285 to help another driver and was struck while outside his truck by another vehicle traveling northbound.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office confirmed on Twitter that the person who was struck and killed was a 15-year veteran of the department and was off duty when the crash occurred.
"With great sadness, we announce the sudden death of a 15-year #JCSO veteran sergeant while off duty today," the department said on Twitter.
The department said the name of the sergeant won't be released until family members are notified.
Another person was also struck in the crash and transported to a hospital with unknown injuries.
Adverse weather conditions are believed to have contributed to the crash.
Weather was also believed to be a factor in another crash on 285, but details of that crash haven't been released.
The highway had to be closed in both directions 3 miles north of Conifer because of the accidents. There was no time estimate for the road to reopen.