MONTE VISTA— A Creede resident died and her husband was seriously injured Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 160 a mile west of Monte Vista.
Passenger Genevieve Basler, 77, of Creede was transported to San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Her husband Thomas Basler, 74 of Creede, who was driving their car was transported to the Alamosa hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, John Sherdan, 62, of Phoenix, Ariz., was transported to Rio Grande Hospital with serious injuries.
Colorado State Patrol responded to the crash shortly after 11 a.m. on June 19. The CSP investigation revealed that a 2015 Chevrolet 3500 pickup driven by Sherdan was headed east on Highway 160 when it went into the westbound lane. The Baslers were headed west on Highway 160 in a 2014 Honda Pilot. CSP reported that the Honda attempted to avoid colliding with the Chevy pickup by driving into the the eastbound lane, and the two vehicles collided near the center of the road. After colliding both vehicles traveled off the south side of the road and came to rest on their wheels.
Alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. Seatbelts were in use by all involved. Speed is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.