Dinosaur man dies in head-on collision on Hwy. 139

A head-on collision Monday on Hwy. 139 resulted in the death of a Dinosaur man and injured five others.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, Phillip Weiler, 35, of Dinosaur was driving a GMC Envoy southbound on Hwy. 139. Weiler attempted a curve at a high rate of speed, crossed into the northbound lane, and collided with a Ford F-350 driven by Shawn Distefano, 54, of Heber City, Utah.
The pickup braked and steered to the right in an attempt to avoid the Envoy, but collided with the driver’s side before traveling off the right side of the road and rolling 1/4 time. The pickup came to rest on its passenger side, caught fire, and ignited a brush fire that engulfed several acres. The Grand Junction Fire Department, BLM and Lower Valley Fire responded to the fire, which was completely contained.
Weiler was pronounced dead at the scene. Distefano and four passengers, including two children, were transported to St. Mary’s by ambulance with minor or serious injuries.
Excessive speed is thought to be the cause of the crash, which is under investigation.