Driver struck light pole that hit another car at four-way stop
December 01, 2025 | Pueblo, CO
A tragic two-vehicle collision at a four-way stop claimed the life of 77-year-old Mary Tafoya on Dec. 1.
Mary Tafoya, 77, died after two vehicles collided at Northern Avenue and Prairie Avenue in Pueblo, causing light pole to fall onto third vehicle.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date and Time: Dec. 1, 2025, just before 5 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Northern Avenue and Prairie Avenue, Pueblo County
- Vehicles Involved: Two vehicles collided, damaging a light pole that fell onto a third vehicle
- Victim: Mary Tafoya, 77, transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased by the Pueblo County Coroner's Office
- Investigation: Pueblo Police Department leading the inquiry, and cause not yet released
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded at the busy intersection when two vehicles collided at the four-way stop. The crash sheared off a light pole, which then toppled onto a third vehicle nearby. Emergency responders rushed Tafoya to a hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Factors like road conditions, visibility, and lighting often play a role in intersection crashes. Authorities are examining these elements to determine the exact sequence of events.
Crash Investigation Insights
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports significant risks on U.S. roads. In 2018, there were 33,654 fatal motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 36,560 deaths.
Year |
Fatal Crashes |
Total Deaths |
Deaths per 100,000 People |
Deaths per 100 Million Miles Traveled |
|---|
2018 |
33,654 |
36,560 |
11.2 |
1.13 |
Source: NHTSA Crash Stats
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions, thorough analysis is crucial.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Investigate all potential factors like weather and infrastructure.
- Use experienced reconstruction to establish fault.
- Pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional effects.
Pending the investigation, the family of Mary Tafoya may pursue a wrongful death claim for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).