A Nebraska father traveling with his teenaged son was killed Tuesday night when their van hit a semi-trailer that had tipped over during high winds and heavy rain.
The accident occurred around 8:15 p.m. when a semitrailer truck, heading east on Interstate-76 near Sterling, lost its empty trailer as high winds tipped it over into the median.
The tractor, a 2001 Peterbuilt driven by John Munden, 62, of Denver, stopped in the left lane of I-76, according to the state patrol.
A 2000 Chevrolet van following at an undetermined distance behind the semi hit the tractor, then veered off the right side of the highway. The driver, Michael McClaren, 43, of Grand Island, Nebraska, died at the scene. His son, Tanner McClaren, 15, sitting in the passenger seat, received minor injuries and was transported to Sterling Regional Medical Center. Munden also was treated for minor injuries in Sterling.
State troopers said the crash occurred during heavy rain, which caused poor visibility.
No charges have been filed pending an investigation. All parties were wearing seat belts, the patrol said.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
