Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — A Highlands Ranch woman was flown to Denver in critical condition on Wednesday afternoon after the van she was driving struck a boulder on Rabbit Ears Pass.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Brett Hilling said 53-year-old Luann C. Bomberger was driving a 1999 Toyota Sienna minivan west on U.S. Highway 40 when she entered a curve and swerved off the road and onto the shoulder. After reaching the apex of the curve, Bomberger made a sharp right turn off the roadway and struck a large boulder that was imbedded into the mountainside embankment, he said.

After hitting the boulder, Bomberger's van rolled one time, coming to rest on its wheels facing north, Hilling said.

Hilling estimates Bomberger hit the boulder while driving at speeds of 50 and 55 mph.

The accident "contained a lot of speed and was very violent," he said.

Medics said Bomberger suffered life-threatening injuries including internal injuries and head trauma, Hilling said.

Bomberger was taken to Yampa Valley Medical Center, where she was stabilized before being flown to Denver Health Medical Center, he said.

Bomberger was listed in serious condition Thursday, a Denver Health Medical Center spokeswoman said.

Hilling said Bomberger was intoxicated at the time of the accident and also was under the influence of prescription medications.

Bomberger's injuries were worsened by several "heavy unsecured items" that may have hit her when the van rolled, Hilling said.

Bomberger was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The van's airbags did deploy, which probably saved Bomberger's life, he said.

The accident is under investigation.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Bomberger was traveling alone.