Pueblo man dies in elk vs. van crash on I-25

A newspaper delivery driver was killed after hitting an elk.

The Colorado State Patrol reports it happened at around 12:35 a.m. Monday on Interstate 25 about 16 miles south of Pueblo.

The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Ronnie Trujillo, of Pueblo.

Troopers said Trujillo was driving a Ford E-250 cargo van southbound on I-25 when he struck an elk crossing the interstate.

The van then went off the left side of the road, rolled one-and-a-half times, and came to rest on its roof.

Trujillo was on his way to Alamosa to drop off newspapers for The Pueblo Chieftain, which is news partners with KRDO NewsChannel 13.

His supervisor, Bill Major, described Trujillo as an outgoing, loving father.

“Ron was an amazing young man. Full of life. Very energetic. Very good work ethics,” Major said.

Trujillo had been working at The Pueblo Chieftain for about two years. His co-workers describe the father of five as dependable.

“If a driver would call off sick or for any reason, Ron was calling me probably before I knew that driver was calling off to ask if he could work that shift. He would be willing to work seven days a week — always wanted to help out his family,” Major said.

Troopers told KRDO NewsChannel 13 that Trujillo’s death serves as a reminder that wildlife can pose a threat on the interstate.

“If you do come across an animal in the roadway, reduce your speed but stay in your lane and continue to go straight,” said Capt. Brian Lyons. “We don’t want you to swerve, break or enter another lane because there may be another car there.”

Troopers say Trujillo was not wearing his seat belt and died as a result of the crash.

Neither drugs nor alcohol is suspected to be factors in the crash. However, troopers say speed may have played a role.