A 14-year Colorado Department of Transportation employee died Sunday, several days after he was hit by a passing vehicle while working on a southwest Colorado highway.
Nolan Olson, an accomplished 64-year-old equipment operator, was filling potholes on U.S. 160 in Pagosa Springs on Feb. 2 when he was hit and severely injured. He was transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood and died nine days later.
“Nolan faced every day with a great and positive attitude,” CDOT maintenance supervisor Billy McDermott said in a statement. “Every member of his patrol looked up to him. Nolan gave guidance for work tasks and was able to share the history of the patrol, CDOT and Pagosa area whenever asked.”
He described Olson as diligent and a true role model. He was someone who always looked for a more efficient way of doing things.
A has been set up to help his family cover medical and travel expenses. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had raised $11,127. Details for a memorial service haven’t been announced yet.
“We lost an incredible team member in Nolan. He was the type of person who would not have wanted his loss to have gone without shining a spotlight on the risks that our crews take every day when they go out on the roads to serve the public,” CDOT Executive Director Michael Lewis said in a statement. “A driver’s undivided attention to the road will ensure we are able to come home to our families.”
