Texas Man Dies in Crash North of Eads Monday

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

October 1, 2004

A 21 year old Vernon, Texas, man died Monday as the result of a two-vehicle crash 8.5 miles north of Eads at 7:10 a.m.

According to a Colorado State Patrol report, Kyle Hietbrink was southbound on Highway 287 when the 1994 Mercury he was driving crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound 1994 International tractor-trailer driven by Diane Swisher, 63, of Houston, Texas. Hietbrink’s vehicle was forced backward 108 feet and came to rest on the west shoulder, partially blocking the southbound lane. The vehicle rolled ¼ time on to its right side. The tractor-trailer skidded off the east side of the road and continued to skid down a dirt embankment, striking a wire fence. Flammable liquid being transported was not spilled.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Heilbrink was ejected from his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Kiowa County Coroner Dr. John C. Hadley.

Diane Swisher and passenger James Swisher, 65, of Houston, Texas, received moderate injuries and were transported to Weisbrod Memorial Hospital in Eads for treatment. James Swisher was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Alcohol is not suspected as a factor in the crash. Both vehicles were estimated to be traveling at 65 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone.

Kiowa County Rescue responded to the scene. CSP Troopers Williams and Rabe investigated, along with Anderson of the CSP Hazardous Materials unit, Sgt. Gilmore and Technician Halpin.