Why are Colorado flags at half-staff Monday?

DENVER ( KDVR ) — On Monday, Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of two state workers killed in a crash.

From sunrise to sunset on Monday, flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Colorado Department of Transportation workers Trent Umberger and Nathan Jones. Umberger and Jones were killed on Sept. 4 while doing road maintenance on westbound U.S. 6 in Mesa County on the Western Slope.

The Colorado State Patrol said the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee drove right into the workers, both CDOT workers and a passenger in the Jeep died on scene. The driver of the Jeep was rushed to the hospital.

“I think at the top level a lane violation is what caused this crash,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of Colorado State Patrol. “The Jeep traveled outside of their lane. Specifically as to why, if it was a distraction or some other thing, that’s what the investigation will help us discover.”

CSP said they do not believe impairment is a factor in this crash.

Polis also issued a statement after the crash:

My heart goes out to the families of Trent Umberger and Nathan Jones, two dedicated maintainers with the Colorado Department of Transportation, as well as passenger Kathi Wallace, who lost their lives (Wednesday.) This is a terrible tragedy, and while words won’t relieve the pain of this moment for their loved ones, know that the state of Colorado mourns alongside them. To recognize this tragedy and loss, I will be lowering flags to honor their lives and service.”

Gov. Jared Polis

The investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.