El Paso County, CO (March 26, 2026) – A woman died Monday night after a single-vehicle crash on Falcon Highway near McCandlish Road, just west of Curtis Road in El Paso County.
Emergency units responded to the area around 8:11 p.m. following reports of a crash involving an SUV. Authorities said a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by a 47-year-old woman was traveling west on Falcon Hwy when the vehicle lost control.
Investigators reported that the SUV began spinning counterclockwise before leaving the roadway. The vehicle then struck a shrub and several fence posts before colliding with a tree and wrapping around it.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said her identity will be released by the El Paso County Coroner after relatives are notified.
The crash led to the closure of Falcon Hwy in both directions east of Curtis Rd for several hours while crews worked at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Loss-of-Control Crashes Can Become Severe
Loss-of-control crashes often occur when a driver is unable to maintain vehicle stability at speed. Sudden steering movements, road conditions, or mechanical problems can sometimes cause a vehicle to spin.
When a vehicle begins to rotate on the roadway, the driver may have limited ability to regain control. The vehicle can leave the pavement and strike roadside objects such as trees, fences, or signs.
Roadside impacts can cause serious damage because fixed objects do not move upon impact. A sudden stop from hitting a tree or similar obstacle can exert significant force on the vehicle and its occupants.
Rural highways and open roads may also increase the likelihood of these incidents because higher speeds can make it harder to regain control once it is lost.