Steamboat Pilot & Today

Accident victim upgraded to serious condition

A Steamboat Springs woman who suffered head injuries and a broken back in a rollover accident Wednesday was upgraded Thursday from critical to serious condition.

Cheryl Mae Gartz, 20, was thrown an estimated 70 feet down a steep embankment when the open-topped Jeep Wrangler she was traveling in rolled 1 1/4 times on Buffalo Pass Road. She was flown by Flight for Life to Denver Health Medical Center, where she was listed in serious condition Thursday.

Two other people in the car, driver Eric Sullivan, 31, and passenger Tohna Nari Nadu, 29, both of Steamboat, were ejected from the Jeep and injured in the crash. Nadu was treated and released Wednesday at Yampa Valley Medical Center, and Sullivan was admitted overnight for observation. Sullivan, who reportedly suffered broken ribs, cuts and bruises in the crash, was released from the hospital Thursday.

None of the people was wearing seat belts, and the Jeep only had seating for two people, according to an accident report from the Colorado State Patrol.

The accident is under investigation, and no arrests have been made. Sullivan submitted to blood-alcohol testing at the hospital, the results of which are not yet available.

The accident happened on Routt County Road 38, also known as Buffalo Pass Road, about two miles from its intersection with C.R. 36. The Jeep was headed downhill when Sullivan apparently oversteered coming out of a right-hand turn and lost control, swerving back and forth across the road before the car flipped, Trooper Rick Kaspar said Wednesday.

Call Trooper Melissa Remner with information about the crash at 879-0059.

Aerial mosquito spraying during evening in Hayden

The town of Hayden has arranged for aerial spraying for mosquitoes during the evening hours today or as soon as weather permits. A more exact date and time cannot be established because spraying is contingent on wind and weather conditions. Call Town Hall at 276-3741.

Hayden Recreation Board seeking crafts vendors

The Hayden Recreation Board is seeking vendors of arts, crafts, children's items and garden items. for the fourth annual Hayden Valley Summerfest, to be held July 2. Vendors must have or apply for a Colorado state sales tax license and a Hayden sales tax license. If interested, call Lindsay at 276-3741.