A driver attempting to flee after crashing his car on U.S. Highway 6 fell into Clear Creek and drowned tonight. The highway is closed near Clear Creek Canyon until his body can be recovered from the river.
Colorado State Patrol spokesman Sgt. Mike Baker said a 2003 Chevy sedan traveling east on Highway 6 drifted onto the right shoulder, hitting a concrete barrier meant to hold a sign — not yet installed — and bounced into the westbound lanes of the road.
At that point the car stopped. The driver — an unidentified Hispanic man — attempted to turn the car on to drive away but the car was disabled.
“The driver then jumped out and fled on foot,” Baker said. “During his effort to get away he hopped a railing and fell into the creek and drowned.”
The accident scene has been cleared, but the man’s body has not yet been recovered.
Baker said alcohol is believed to have played a role in the incident.
The highway was closed in both directions between Colorado Highway 119 and Colorado Highway 96 at about 7:30 p.m.
The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends an alternate route through Interstate 70 to exit 243 or 244.
