Three Killed in Weld County Pursuit Crash

Three people were killed in a fiery head-on collision on Highway 85 near Platteville, Colorado, after a suspected stolen GMC Yukon, fleeing a Weld County Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop, crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed into a Toyota 4Runner. The crash occurred around 3 p.m., trapping all occupants inside as both vehicles caught fire. The victims have been identified as Yukon driver Kayla Dickinson, an unnamed passenger, and 4Runner driver Christine Ann Schwarz, who was a local middle school teacher. Despite rescue efforts by Colorado State Patrol troopers and deputies, all three died at the scene, and a deputy sustained minor injuries. The incident led to community mourning and school class cancellations. Authorities confirmed the Yukon’s license plate was stolen, but the vehicle’s VIN was destroyed, prompting ongoing investigations by the Colorado State Patrol and the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, including an internal review of the pursuit.