By Shannon Lukens. (Emily Tintrup Dealy photo courtesy Andy Barnhart.)

 

The woman who died in Sunday’s fatal head-on collision on Highway 40 west of Steamboat Springs Sunday was the pre-school director at Steamboat Montessori School. Emily Tintrup Dealy started there in 2021, after previously teaching in Summit County.

 

The Head of School at Steamboat Montessori is Emily Barnhart. She says the staff at the school has prepared a statement on their co-worker.

“Emily Tintrup Dealy worked at Steamboat Montessori starting in 2021, first as a special education teacher, then as the Preschool Director. She had a deep passion for early education and was an early childhood special education specialist. In her role as our Preschool Director, she made wonderful connections with our youngest students every day. Emily was warm, gentle and thoughtful in her approach with every student, family and staff member. She was fiercely dedicated to implementing Universal Preschool at Steamboat Montessori and was excited to welcome the first families this fall. We will miss her greatly, and will work to honor her amazing contributions to our school every day.”

 

Barnhart says the school is working on a memorial fund for Emily Tintrup Dealy. They will be creating a garden in front of the school in her honor. Right now, there is a basket out front for anyone who would like to write a note for the family. Barnhart also says the school is providing crisis support to any family and staff who may need it.

 

Colorado State Patrol has updated information on Sunday’s fatal accident on Highway 40, just west of Steamboat Springs. It was around mile post 126. CSP says they are continuing with the investigation but at this time, drugs and alcohol are not suspected nor is excessive speed.

 

A 65-year-old man from Littleton was driving Vehicle 1 which was a Ford F250. He was headed eastbound, and crossed the center line and went into the westbound lane, causing the head-on collision. That man was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. CSP does not have an update on his condition or which hospital he was taken to, by ambulance.

 

Vehicle 2 was a Dodge Ram 1500, driven by 36-year-old Michael Dealy from Blue River, Colo., which is in Summit County. But he now lives in Steamboat Springs. CSP says he was also wearing a seatbelt and suffered moderate injuries. His wife was the passenger in the truck who was also wearing her seatbelt but who died at the scene.

 

The call came in to dispatch at 12:09 Highway 40 was closed in both directions for over five hours.

 

The District Attorney’s office in Routt County says they have not yet been notified regarding any charges that could be filed.