Deceased persons identified from two-vehicle crash on Marksheffel Road south of East Gate Street

On August 31, 2026, at approximately 1:36 p.m., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) was notified of a two-vehicle traffic crash on Marksheffel Road south of East Gate Street. Upon arrival of officers and medical personnel, a crash involving two sedans was located with multiple injured parties. Preliminary investigation showed a Toyota sedan was southbound on Marksheffel Road when it failed to negotiate a slight curve and entered the northbound lane. The Toyota struck a northbound Chevrolet sedan. The occupants of the Chevrolet were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The two occupants of the Toyota were determined to be deceased at the scene. Due to the nature of the crash, the Major Crash Team (MCT) responded and assumed the investigation.

On September 2, 2026, CSPD was notified by the El Paso County Coroner's Office that the deceased occupants of the Toyota had been identified. The driver was identified as 53-year-old Francine Shumake, and the passenger as 61-year-old Brenda Baker.

This incident marks the 42nd and 43rd traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs in 2026. At this time last year, the city experienced 39 traffic fatalities. Over the past 365 days, there have been 57 traffic-related fatalities within the city.

This remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information or who was a witness to this incident is asked to call CSPD at (719) 444-7000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.