Pine – The names of two teens killed in a one-car accident Friday on South Elk Creek Road in Jefferson County were released Saturday by authorities.
The driver of the sport utility vehicle was identified as Justin Dorrance, 16, of Evergreen. Dorrance was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jefferson County coroner’s office.
Passenger Clyde Gallegos, 16, of Pine was airlifted to St. Anthony Central Hospital but died shortly thereafter.
The accident that involved five other passengers happened about 2:20 p.m. near Pine, southeast of U.S. 285, investigators said.
The teens were riding northbound in a red, 1998 Jeep Cherokee when it went off the right side of the road, down a steep embankment and plunged into South Elk Creek, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The other passengers were identified as Shane Mathre, 16; Patrick McIntyre, 16; Matthew McGann, 15; and Reece Stapish, 16, all of Conifer; and John Frost, 17, of Littleton.
Mathre, Frost, and McGann received minor injuries and were treated at Swedish Medical Center before being released. McIntyre and Stapish were not injured.
A news release from the State Patrol said the six passengers and driver were not using seat belts.
But Edward Steinmetz, a good Samaritan who helped in the rescue, told 9News that one victim was strapped in a seat belt, so he and others kicked in the door of a nearby home, got a knife and used it to cut the belt.
All of the teens in the crash attended Conifer High School, said Lynn Setzer, spokeswoman for Jefferson County Public Schools.
The accident happened during school hours at the same time a barbecue was being held for juniors and seniors, and students were supposed to remain on campus.
Setzer said grief counselors would be available at the school Monday for students and staff members.
Alcohol and speed are not believed to have contributed to the crash but drugs are suspected, according to the State Patrol.
Staff writer Annette Espinoza can be reached at 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com.
