Jeffery Stumpf, who drove across an Interstate 70 median into oncoming traffic, killing himself and another driver last month, was legally drunk, officials said.
A toxicology report found Stumpf had a blood-alcohol level of .146, Dan Pruett, Jefferson County chief deputy coroner, said on Tuesday. Stumpf caused the July 30 fatal crash that also killed Jodie Stewart, 52.
Stumpf’s blood-alcohol level was well above the 0.08 standard for “driving under the influence” in Colorado. It was more than twice the 0.05, at which blood-alcohol is classified as “driving while ability impaired.” Both are illegal.
The toxicology test also found evidence that Stumpf, 54, had used cocaine and marijuana, although the tests couldn’t determine when he used those drugs.
The Evergreen man was near Morrison. before entering oncoming traffic, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The five-vehicle crash also injured six others.
Colorado State Patrol troopers found an empty quarter-pint bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and an unopened container of beer in the truck,Trooper Nate Reid said previously. Reid didn’t know whether the alcohol was found in the truck’s cab or bed.
The coroner’s office has not yet released Stumpf’s full autopsy report. Pruett said it may be impossible to determine if Stumpf fell asleep or passed out before the accident.
