Intoxication possibly factor in fatal accident

By Paul Shockley
Monday, May 14, 2012

The Colorado State Patrol said alcohol or drug intoxication was a suspected factor in Sunday’s fatal crash on Interstate 70 near Palisade that killed a Meeker man.

Johnathan Wix, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene around 6:40 p.m. after the crash in the westbound lane at milepost 42, according to State Patrol Sgt. Mike Baker.

Wix was the driver of a 2002 Toyota Camry that apparently drifted into the left-hand lane and collided with another westbound vehicle, a 1999 Nissan Altima, which forced the Camry off the right-hand side of the road where it rolled twice, Baker said.

Wix was thrown out during the roll.

Baker said a passenger in the Camry, Anthony Merritt, 21, of Parachute, suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized. He was wearing a seatbelt.