Highway 85 reopens after closure north of Denver metro area due to deadly crash

Highway 85 was closed north of the Denver metro area for several hours after a deadly crash early Wednesday morning. The area surrounding the intersection of the highway and 136th Avenue reopened at 3 p.m. after a closure just before 4 a.m., according to Brighton police. 

Police said the department's traffic safety unit is investigating the crash, which they believe happened about 3:20 a.m. The initial investigation determined that a Volkswagen SUV traveling northbound on Highway 85 drifted off the road and struck a stoplight pole at the intersection of the highway and 136th Avenue. 

The male driver was ejected from the vehicle on impact, according to investigators. Responders said they attempted lifesaving measures on the driver, but he was pronounced deceased on scene. Investigators said it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. 

The crash sparked a grass fire in the area. Brighton Fire Rescue responded to the crash and extinguished the grass fire, according to investigators. 

The identity of the driver who died has not been released. 

The closure extended along Highway 85 between 120th Avenue and 144th Avenue for nearly 11 hours, reopening at 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

Drivers were urged to take an alternate route during the closure. Officials urged drivers to take I-76 if possible to avoid traffic backups and vehicles used in the crash investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at 303.655.8740.