CSP Investigating Baca Cty Highway Fatality

The Colorado State Patrol is currently investigating a two-vehicle crash, which resulted in a single fatality. The crash occurred on July 25, 2018, at 2120 hours, on Colorado Highway 287 approximately 13 miles north of Springfield Colorado, in Baca County.

A 2013 GMC Yukon driven by Justin Murdock, 35, of Gruver, TX, was traveling northbound on Colorado Highway 287 when the GMC drifted into the southbound lane, and collided head-on with a southbound 2018 Volvo Semi Tractor and trailer. Mykola Zhalanavsky, 34 of Abbotsford, BC, was operating the Volvo.

The GMC rolled ¼ times prior to coming to rest on the west shoulder. The Volvo traveled off the east side of the road while rolling ¼ times and becoming engulfed in flames.

The Baca County Coroner pronounced Justin Murdock deceased on scene.  Mykola Zhalanavsky along with his passenger from Surrrey, BC, suffered minor injuries.

Alcohol is being considered a factor in the crash. However, the crash remains under investigation.