Bayfield, CO – A tragic single-vehicle accident occurring near the Bayfield town limits has claimed the lives of a young couple from Farmington, while their young daughter miraculously survived. The wreckage, involving an older blue Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck, was discovered roughly 40 feet down an embankment off U.S. Highway 160.
Victims and Survivors
The La Plata County Coroner has officially identified the two deceased adults:
- Devante Griffon (25) of Farmington.
- Klariza Tarango (24) of Farmington.
Their 5-year-old daughter, Kayce Griffon, was the sole survivor of the crash. Despite the severity of the accident, she sustained only minor injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital. She has since been discharged and reunited with her grandfather.
Details of the Crash
The timeline of the accident remains a key focus for investigators:
- Crash Location: Just east of the Bayfield town limits on the south side of U.S. Highway 160.
- Discovery Time: Emergency personnel were notified at 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, although reports suggest the flipped vehicle may have been visible as early as Friday.
- Vehicle Condition: The Chevrolet S-10 was found totaled and flipped after going off the roadway.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is currently investigating what caused the vehicle to leave the road. Several critical safety factors have been noted by officials:
- Seat Belt Usage: Neither adult was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
- Child Safety: Kayce Griffon was not secured in a car seat or booster seat during the accident. Upper Pine Fire Protection District Chief Bruce Evans remarked that the child was “very lucky” to survive and stressed the life-saving importance of adhering to height and weight requirements for child safety seats.
- Pending Autopsy: Official autopsies are scheduled for Wednesday, which authorities hope will clarify the exact time and cause of death.
A memorial cross has already been placed at the site of the embankment to honor those lost.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this time of tragic loss. We stand with our community in offering our sincere thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
