Two fatal crashes Saturday
Posted: 07.16.2011 at 6:00 PM
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SOUTHERN COLORADO -- The Colorado State Patrol is investigating two fatal crashes from Saturday morning.

The first happened just before 2:30 a.m. on Colorado 50 Business at the junction of Lane 27 east of Pueblo.

Troopers said a Dodge Ram pickup was traveling eastbound on 50 when it drifted off the road and collided with a pole.

They said the driver, 34-year-old James Patti of Aurora, died at the scene.

Investigators believe Patti may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

The second crash occured around 6:30 a.m. on Eastonville Road, one mile north of Stapleton Drive in El Paso County.

Officals said a Toyota 4Runner was heading northbound when the driver lost control on the dirt road, hit a fence, then rolled.

They said the driver, 28-year-old Joe Duran of Peyton, was ejected and died from his injuries.

Alcohol and speed are being investigated as contributing factors in the crash.