Accident claims one in canyon

The driver of a car was killed Thursday night when it slammed head-on into a concrete barrier in Snowmass Canyon, according to authorities.

The driver was killed immediately, and a Pitkin County coroner was called to the scene to investigate. The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m.

The vehicle was apparently heading downvalley when it struck one of the dividing barriers in the construction zone. The accident occurred at mile marker 29, which is on the eastern end of the canyon. Highway 82 was closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.

Limited details were available as of press time but the vehicle involved in the crash was apparently reported to authorities shortly before the crash for driving erratically.

A Colorado State Patrol trooper reached in Glenwood last night said the driver’s name would be released after notification of next of kin.