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Man still in serious condition

Hayden resident suffering injuries from car accident

Matt Stensland

— A Hayden man remained in serious condition at a Denver hospital Monday afternoon from injuries he received in a car accident Saturday night.

Evan Sundberg, 21, and two other Hayden men sustained serious injuries after a one-vehicle accident just north of Hayden on Routt County Road 80. The driver of the Dodge pickup, 20-year-old Alan Lighthizer, is facing vehicular assault charges as a result of the accident. He was the only man not wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

Sundberg was airlifted to Denver Health Medical with head injuries, and Alan Stark and Christopher Bray were taken to Yampa Valley Medical Center with head injuries. An accident report stated Stark also injured his shoulder. A YVMC spokeswoman said Stark and Bray were treated and released Sunday.



Sundberg’s grandmother, Beth Sundberg of Hayden, said Monday that her grandson is expected to recover.

“He’s doing well,” Beth Sundberg said. “We’re very pleased with his progress.”



Lighthizer was speeding on C.R. 80 less than a half-mile north of U.S. Highway 40 when he lost control, Colorado State Patrol Trooper Jim Copley said Sunday. The accident happened at about 11:15 p.m.

Lighthizer was negotiating a right-hand curve when the pickup began spinning and drove off the left side of C.R. 80, according to an accident report. The vehicle got back on the road and began spinning again. The truck ran off the right side of the roadway and ran into a fence, the report stated. The pickup then went 10 feet farther and the left side of the vehicle crashed into a tree. The vehicle had “inflatable restraints,” but they did not deploy.

Copley said alcohol was involved.

Lighthizer was arrested, taken to Routt County Jail and booked on three felony charges of vehicular assault and two misdemeanor charges – driving under the influence of alcohol and being a minor in possession of alcohol.

Lighthizer’s bail was set at $10,000, and he posted bond Monday afternoon. He is due in court at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11.


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