A Dolores woman was killed and her son seriously injured last Friday in an accident on Highway 491 just south of Pleasant View.
Helen Joy Frazier, 21, was killed after she initiated a U-turn in front of a southbound semi truck at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Sgt. Chad Martin with the Colorado State Patrol said Frazier had made a left turn onto Colorado Highway 491 from Road 16 and stopped on the west shoulder of the southbound lane.
Martin said he believes that Frazier waited for the traffic on the shoulder to pass before making a U-turn. There were two semi trucks, she waited for the first one to pass and turned in front of the second.
I dont think she ever saw the second behind the first, Martin said.
The semi-trailer was driven by a Dove Creek man, who was not injured. Frazier was driving a 2012 silver Nissan Sentra.
Fraziers 7-year-old son, Jason Frazier-Farr, who attends Dolores Elementary School, was flown out by helicopter with life-threatening injuries. His grandmother, Tracy Archuleta, said Thursday that Jason got out of the hospital Wednesday and was recovering.
Alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash, according to the State Patrol.
Archuleta said her daughter was on her way to a weekend Boy Scout camp out and was likely looking for a turn.
There will be a benefit dinner, DJ dance, and silent auction for Joy on Saturday, July 28, at the Cortez Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Rd. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a chili dinner, followed by dancing and a silent auction of items and activities, including dinners and a day rafting trip.
Archuleta said her daughter was an amazing person.
She was young, fun and so full of life, she said. She loved family and kayaking.
Joy loved spending time outdoors, her mother said.
She was amazing in a kayak, she said.
Joy worked at the Cortez Taco Bell.
The funds raised from the dinner will be used for funeral expenses for Joy, and to cover some of the medical expenses for Jason.
The admission at the door is $5 per person, or $20 per family. Additional donations will also be accepted at the event. Come out and help support this family in need.
For more information, or to learn how you can help, contact Jeannie Haddix at 382-1899.
Services for Joy will be at the Dolores River Park Monday, July 30 at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life and potluck with family and friends will be at 200 Riverside in Dolores at 6 p.m. Monday.
