Grand Junction Man Dies After Driving Off of Red Mountain Pass

A 22-year-old from Grand Junction has passed away after driving off of Red Mountain Pass. The man failed to turn and unfortunately was not wearing his seatbelt.

Around 11 p.m. on Saturday, Alberto Martinez was headed north on Highway 550 in 2003 Dodge pickup truck. According to the Durango Herald, the driver failed to negotiate a turn near mile marker 81 and went off the right side of the road.

This mile marker, mile marker 81, is near the top of Red Mountain Pass. It's right before the switchbacks on the highway began. According to Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis, the Dodge went down an embankment and rolled.

Unfortunately, 22-year-old Alberto Martinez wasn't wearing a seatbelt at this time. He was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead on the scene. Alberto was the only person in the vehicle when the accident occurred.

According to Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis, drugs and alcohol aren't a factor in the crash, but excessive speed is. Alberto Martinez was only 22 years old.

Our thoughts are with Alberto's family and friends during this tragic time. Please remember to buckle up, slow down and pay attention to your surroundings while driving.

Red Mountain Pass is known as one of Colorado's most notorious and gnarly roads. Along with Colorado's crazy weather making it more difficult to navigate, Red Mountain Pass has lots of switchbacks, and lots of areas with a steep drop off, and no guard rails.