JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo — A semi-truck driver has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor traffic charges in connection with a crash that killed one person and injured three others on Highway 285 in Jefferson County last month, according to court records.
The Colorado State Patrol said Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, 47, lost control of his truck June 11 on Highway 285 near Conifer. The semi went off the edge of the road, rolled onto its side and dumped its load of pipe and angle iron on top of five other vehicles.
The driver of one of those vehicles, 64-year-old Scott Miller of Bailey, died on the scene. Three other people were injured, including one who suffered serious injuries.
Troopers said speed was being considered the primary factor in the crash.
Cruz-Mendoza pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of careless driving resulting in death and three courts of careless driving resulting in injury, according to court records. He is set to be sentenced Aug. 30.
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Prosecutors formally filed charges against him on June 18. Miller's wife and daughter spoke in court that day.
"My husband and I have been together for 46 years," Deann Miller said. "He may have lost his life that day, but I feel like I lost mine as well."
