Loma, CO (August 26, 2026) – A 35-year-old man died after a vehicle struck him early Monday morning on Highway 139 south of Loma. The crash happened around 2:12 a.m. near milepost 1 in Mesa County.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, preliminary information indicates the man was seated in the middle of the northbound lane. An unknown light-colored SUV traveling northbound struck him and dragged him about 130 feet before leaving the area.
The man was taken by ground ambulance to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead. The driver of the SUV had not been identified.
The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crime Unit continues working to determine what led to the accident. Our condolences are with the man’s family and loved ones.
What Makes Nighttime Pedestrian Collisions Dangerous?
Pedestrians face greater risks at night because darkness can make them harder for drivers to see. Limited visibility may reduce the time available to recognize someone in a travel lane and take action.
Drivers can improve nighttime safety by using headlights properly, reducing speed when visibility is limited, and watching carefully for people near the roadway. Extra caution is useful on roads with little street lighting.
Pedestrians can also improve visibility by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a light. Staying near designated walking paths, when available, can provide additional separation from moving traffic.
A pedestrian struck by a vehicle can experience severe physical trauma. The seriousness of injuries depends on factors such as vehicle speed, the person’s position, and whether the person is thrown or dragged.
