Dawn Ingrid Triplat, Teddy-Jo Headrick Obituary, Death: Garfield County Coroner identifies victims of fatal I-70 crash Tuesday.

Dawn Ingrid Triplat, Teddy-Jo Headrick Obituary, Death – Three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on Interstate 70 earlier this week have been identified by the Garfield County Coroner’s Office. The accident occurred on Tuesday morning and led to a prolonged closure of the westbound lanes of the highway.

According to a news release issued by the coroner’s office on Thursday, the fatal incident took place at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, just east of New Castle, near mile marker 106. The crash, which involved two vehicles, was so severe that it resulted in the deaths of all three victims at the scene. The coroner’s office reported that each of the individuals appeared to have died from blunt force trauma sustained during the collision.

The victims have been identified as 84-year-old Dawn Ingrid Triplat, a resident of New Castle, Colorado; and Richard and Teddy-Jo Headrick, ages 81 and 79 respectively, both from Highland, Utah. The tragic nature of the accident has deeply affected not only the families involved but also the surrounding communities in both Colorado and Utah.

Triplat was a long-time resident of New Castle, known in the local community for her involvement in various civic and volunteer efforts. The Headricks, a married couple, were visiting the area when the accident occurred. Friends and family of the deceased have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden and devastating loss.

The Colorado State Patrol is currently leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash. While the exact cause of the collision has not yet been disclosed, the authorities are continuing to gather evidence, analyze vehicle positions, and interview any potential witnesses who may have seen what happened. Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.

Garfield County Coroner Robert M. Glassmire stated in the release that the ongoing investigation is in the hands of the Colorado State Patrol. “The investigation into the circumstances of the two-vehicle crash resulting in three fatalities continues to be investigated by the Colorado State Patrol. Please contact the Colorado State Patrol for additional information regarding the crash investigation,” Glassmire said.

The crash caused significant disruption to traffic along the I-70 corridor. Authorities were forced to close the westbound lanes of the highway for more than five hours as emergency personnel responded to the scene, conducted rescue and recovery operations, and began their investigation. This closure caused delays for hundreds of travelers and required detours through nearby routes.

While traffic eventually resumed, the emotional impact of the crash remains. Local officials and emergency responders expressed their condolences to the families of those who died. Many described the scene as particularly heartbreaking, given the ages of the victims and the apparent violence of the crash.

Community members in New Castle have responded with sympathy and support. Tributes and condolences have been shared on social media, and some local organizations are discussing the possibility of holding a memorial or vigil in honor of Triplat and the Headricks. Friends described Triplat as a kind and generous woman who often helped neighbors and participated in town activities. The Headricks were remembered by Utah community members as warm, devoted, and active in their church and civic life.

Although the precise details of how the crash occurred have not yet been revealed, the incident is another sobering reminder of the risks drivers face on highways, particularly for older adults. Experts often emphasize the importance of road safety, proper vehicle maintenance, and cautious driving, especially for seniors who may experience slower reaction times or health issues that could contribute to accidents.

Authorities have not stated whether weather conditions, speed, or any mechanical issues may have played a role in the collision. However, it is standard protocol for the Colorado State Patrol to conduct thorough examinations of all vehicles involved and to test for any impairments or other contributing factors.

As the investigation continues, the public is urged to be patient and allow law enforcement time to piece together the facts. Final determinations about the cause of the crash and whether any charges or citations will be issued will come once the investigation is complete.

In the meantime, those who knew and loved the victims are left to grieve. The lives of Dawn Ingrid Triplat, Richard Headrick, and Teddy-Jo Headrick were cut short unexpectedly in a tragedy that has left two communities in mourning. Support services and counseling may be offered by local agencies to help loved ones cope with the loss.

Anyone with additional details about the crash is encouraged to reach out to the Colorado State Patrol to aid in the investigation.