On Monday, February 26th, just before 7 pm, the Fairplay Police and emergency services were called to a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident on US Highway 285 near the Western Inn in Fairplay, according to a press release from Fairplay Police Chief David Gottschalk.

According to the FPD, officials responding to the scene determined that a truck driven by Robert J. Lee was traveling northbound on US 285 and struck a 15-year-old local girl. The young lady was pronounced dead at the scene. The teen victim died as a result of massive head injuries, according to Park County Coroner Sharon Morris. The coroner released the identification of the victim this morning as Carlee Cardova. The coroner also said that Carlee was walking with a friend northbound along the highway when she was hit.

Due to the seriousness of this incident, Chief Gottschalk requested the assistance of the Colorado State Patrol's Accident Reconstruction Team. US 285 was closed for approximately four hours while the initial investigation was conducted, according to the news release. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Emergency responders included South Park Ambulance, Northwest Fire, Park County Sheriff's Office and Park County Victims Advocates.

"On behalf of the Town of Fairplay, our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends who suffered such a terrible loss," Chief Gottschalk said.