A Colorado man received a 30 year prison sentence for a tragic crash that killed two state highway workers and his own passenger. The incident happened in September 2024 on U.S. Highway 6 near Grand Junction and stemmed from driving under the influence of marijuana.
Details of the Deadly Crash
The crash occurred on September 4 2024 westbound on U.S. Highway 6 near milepost 40 in Mesa County. Patrick Sneddon 60 was behind the wheel of a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he veered off the road and struck two Colorado Department of Transportation workers who were outside their vehicle performing maintenance.
The Jeep then hit a parked CDOT truck which caused it to roll over. Sneddon’s passenger Kathy Wallace 67 from Grand Junction died in the wreck along with the two workers. Authorities found marijuana in Sneddon’s system leading to charges of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.
This stretch of highway has seen multiple accidents over the years including rollovers and multi vehicle collisions. Local reports show that U.S. Highway 6 and 50 intersection alone has been the site of several serious crashes in recent months highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the area.
Victims Remembered by Loved Ones
The victims included young CDOT employee Nathan Jones 23 from Grand Junction and veteran worker Trenton Umberger 43 also from the area. Jones had just started his career with the department while Umberger brought years of experience to road maintenance efforts.
Kathy Wallace a longtime resident lost her life as an innocent passenger in Sneddon’s vehicle. During the sentencing hearing family members and friends shared heartfelt stories about the lives cut short. One relative described Umberger as a dedicated father who loved the outdoors and always helped others on the job.
- Nathan Jones: Age 23 recent CDOT hire passionate about public service
- Trenton Umberger: Age 43 experienced worker known for his reliability
- Kathy Wallace: Age 67 community member enjoying a ride that turned fatal
These personal accounts painted a picture of vibrant individuals whose absence leaves a deep void in their families and the Grand Junction community.
Sentencing and Court Proceedings
Sneddon pleaded guilty in August 2025 to three counts of vehicular homicide DUI and one count related to Colorados Move Over law. Other charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal. He faced a potential sentence ranging from four to 30 years.
On October 10 2025 Judge Jeremy Chaffin of the Mesa County District Court imposed the maximum penalty. Sneddon received 12 years for each CDOT workers death to be served consecutively along with six years for Wallaces death also consecutive.
| Sentence Component | Years Imposed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicular Homicide for Nathan Jones | 12 | Consecutive to others |
| Vehicular Homicide for Trenton Umberger | 12 | Consecutive to others |
| Vehicular Homicide for Kathy Wallace | 6 | Consecutive to others |
| Total Prison Time | 30 | Plus 3 years mandatory parole |
Sneddon must serve three years of parole after his release. The judge called the actions a plain stupid choice emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedy.
Road Safety Challenges in Colorado
This case comes amid rising concerns about worker safety in construction zones across Colorado. In 2024 the state recorded 31 fatalities in work zones a 94 percent increase from the previous year despite an overall five percent drop in total traffic deaths.
CDOT has launched new initiatives for 2025 including enhanced signage and awareness campaigns to protect roadside workers. Speeding and impairment remain top factors in these incidents with 237 lives lost to speeding alone in 2024.
Recent events underscore the urgency. Just days ago on October 8 2025 another driver in Grand Junction pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide in a DUI crash that killed local YouTuber Andrew Cross. These back to back cases highlight the need for stricter enforcement and public education on laws like the Move Over rule.
Experts point out that marijuana related impairments have surged since legalization contributing to more vehicular incidents. Logical steps like regular drug testing for drivers and better highway barriers could prevent future losses.
Community Response and Future Prevention
The Grand Junction community has rallied around the victims families with memorials and fundraisers. CDOT held a remembrance ceremony in April 2025 honoring all fallen workers reminding everyone of the human cost behind road repairs.
This sentencing serves as a stark warning to impaired drivers. It shows courts willingness to hand down tough penalties to deter such behavior and protect those who keep roads safe.
As Colorado pushes for safer highways residents can play a role by slowing down in work zones and reporting reckless driving. Share your thoughts on road safety in the comments below and help spread awareness to prevent more heartbreak.
