A Durango woman who was riding as the passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in a fatal crash Saturday in Bayfield was listed in critical but stable condition Tuesday morning, according to a spokeswoman at St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Dawn Dupuis and her husband, Jason, were headed east on U.S. Highway 160 around 12:30 p.m. Saturday on a 2007 Harley-Davidson when a 2010 Subaru Forester, traveling west, made a left turn at the Eight Corners intersection in Bayfield.
Jason Dupuis, 48, also of Durango, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dawn Dupuis was taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center with critical injuries and was eventually flown to St. Anthony’s in Lakewood for further care.
According to friends, Dawn, 53, suffered multiple injuries and must undergo surgery, but she is stable and coherent and is expected to make a full recovery. She has been joined at the Front Range hospital by family and friends.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help the family with medical costs. There is also an account set up at First National Bank in Durango.
Judy Lewis, a friend, said the Dupuis family is well-known in Durango. She said both Dawn and Jason grew up in the area and have two teenage daughters who attend a local high school.
Lewis said Jason Dupuis had several jobs over the years in the area, including at Ted’s Rental and Sales. She said Dawn used to work at April’s Garden but is currently employed by H&R Block as a receptionist.
“They loved riding,” Lewis said. “It was their freedom.”
Colorado State Patrol charged the driver of the Subaru Forester, Katherine Phelps, 75, of Bayfield, with one count of careless driving causing death, a misdemeanor.
Authorities do not suspect drugs, alcohol or excessive speed were factors in the crash.
“We don’t know why she turned,” State Patrol Capt. Adrian Driscoll said in a previous interview. “She just made the left turn.”
Phelps suffered minor injuries in the crash.
jromeo@durangoherald.com