Colorado paramedic killed in crash on drive into work

CUSTER COUNTY, Colo — A southern Colorado paramedic was killed in a crash on his drive into work Saturday, Custer County Emergency Medical Services said. 

Andrew Fernandez, 39, of Cañon City was killed in the two-vehicle crash around 8:45 a.m. Saturday on Highway 69 about five miles northwest of Westcliffe, Custer County EMS and the Colorado State Patrol said. 

Custer County EMS said Fernandez is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.

“Andrew was a top-notch paramedic and an even better human being,” Custer County EMS said in a social media post. “Andrew was a clever, intelligent, and warm person. He was highly respected at Custer County EMS for his diligent patient care and willingness to serve. Andrew has been a paramedic for 10+ years and he remained the kind of provider who was willing to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. He was an amazing person who made a difference in peoples’ lives.”

CSP said Fernandez was headed southbound on Highway 69 when he lost control of his car, went into the oncoming lanes and collided with a pickup truck that was headed northbound. Troopers said the two people in the pickup truck both suffered minor injuries in the crash. 

Investigators are working to determine what led up to the crash.