City of Colorado Springs, CO
04/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/22/2026 15:53
Deceased Driver Identified from Fatal Crash on March 22, 2026
On March 22, 2026, at approximately 8:14 PM, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) received a call for service regarding a head-on traffic crash near the intersection of Briargate Boulevard and Lexington Drive. The initial report indicated that two vehicles were racing eastbound on Briargate Boulevard when one crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a westbound Volkswagen SUV head-on.
Both drivers were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen SUV later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Based on the circumstances, the CSPD Major Crash Team assumed responsibility for the investigation. Speed is being investigated as a contributing factor in this crash.
On March 23, 2026, the El Paso County Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy on the deceased driver and identified her as 77-year-old Deanna Stemler.
This was the 11th traffic fatality in Colorado Springs this year. At this time last year, there were five traffic fatalities. In the last 365 days, there have been 59 traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs.
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