Cindy Helms, Melvina Colin Obituary, Death – Two women, one from Tennessee and the other from Colorado, tragically lost their lives when a tractor-trailer veered across the median and collided with a U-Haul vehicle on Monday in Columbia. The Columbia Police Department released the identities of the victims on Tuesday, naming them as Cindy Helms, 54, from Rockwood, Tennessee, and Melvina Colin, 84, from Croomfield, Colorado. According to police reports, Helms was operating the U-Haul truck, which was towing another vehicle, while Colin was a passenger.
The incident involved a tractor-trailer operated by 26-year-old Walter Montego from South Gate, California. His vehicle crossed the centerline following a prior collision in the westbound lanes, resulting in a head-on impact with the U-Haul in the eastbound lanes.
Following the crash, a fire erupted at the scene.
The accident led to the closure of eastbound I-70 and a portion of westbound I-70 for several hours on Monday. Helms was transported to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, while Colin was pronounced dead at the scene. Montego sustained moderate injuries and was also hospitalized.
Authorities have not yet provided specific details regarding the circumstances of the crash, indicating that the investigation is still in progress. Footage of the incident has been shared with ABC 17 News and has circulated on social media platforms.
