A tragic accident early Wednesday morning, June 11, claimed the life of a young individual following an ATV crash on a private ranch located along Stevens Lake Road in Archuleta County, Colorado. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, which occurred in the overnight hours between late Tuesday, June 10, and approximately 1 a.m. Wednesday.
According to Archuleta County Undersheriff Robert Hill, the crash involved a four-seater all-terrain vehicle. The accident resulted in the death of one person under the age of 21. Law enforcement officials responded swiftly to the scene following reports of a serious crash and began an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On Wednesday morning, Hill confirmed that Austin James Brown, 20, of Beaumont, Texas, was arrested in connection with the crash. Brown now faces a number of serious charges, including driving under the influence (DUI), vehicular homicide-DUI, criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter-reckless, underage alcohol possession/consumption, and prohibited use of a weapon.
While the identity of the deceased individual has not yet been released publicly, the news has shaken the local community and those involved. Investigators are still piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the crash, and no further details about the condition of other occupants, if any, have been shared at this time.
Undersheriff Hill noted that the incident is still under active investigation and that more information will be released as it becomes available. The combination of alcohol and off-road driving has long been a dangerous and deadly mix, and this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences that can result from impaired operation of any vehicle.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the events of that night to contact the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues
