Tragic Wrong Way Crash Claims Lives of Off-Duty Officer Colton Pulsipher on Interstate 15 in Las Vegas on December 05, 2024

A tragic accident early Thursday morning claimed the lives of two individuals, including a 29-year-old off-duty Las Vegas Metro Police officer. The wrong-way crash occurred just after 12:25 a.m. on northbound Interstate 15, near mile marker 75 and the exit for Valley of Fire State Park, a short distance northeast of Las Vegas. According to local authorities, a southbound driver traveling in the wrong direction collided with multiple vehicles in the northbound lanes, leading to catastrophic consequences.

The officer, identified as Colton Pulsipher, was heading home in his personal vehicle after completing his shift with the Tourist Safety Division in the Traffic Bureau. Tragically, he and another man were pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Pulsipher, who had been with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department since 2017, is remembered as a dedicated public servant. He is survived by his wife and three children, and his passing has left his department and local community mourning this significant loss.

A third individual, a woman, was also injured in the aftermath of the crash but fortunately suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. As for the affected roadway, all northbound lanes of I-15 were immediately shut down following the incident, with traffic redirected onto US 93 and other alternative routes. Southbound lanes remained open, but drivers were cautioned to expect significant delays throughout the morning. No timeline has yet been given for reopening the northbound lanes, as authorities continue their investigations into the cause and circumstances of the collision.

The FBI’s Las Vegas office extended its condolences to Officer Pulsipher’s family and colleagues, acknowledging his service and tragic passing in a statement. Nevada State Police shared that additional updates on the crash are expected to be released as investigations progress. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant on the road, especially in areas known for accidents, to avoid similar tragedies.

For those affected by this or any accident, it’s incredibly important to access the police report as soon as possible. These reports are critical for determining liability, filing insurance claims, and pursuing legal actions if necessary. An accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, but having this vital document can make the process of recovering damages and navigating insurance negotiations much smoother. Accident reports not only provide a detailed account of the incident but are also essential if you need to work with an accident law firm near you to secure fair compensation for any losses or injuries. Call today!