Driver in deadly crash south of the Springs ID'd

Police have determined a driver was killed after he was ejected during a two-vehicle crash south of Colorado Springs Sunday night.

The two-vehicle crash was reported just after 8 Sunday night near the Pikes Peak International Raceway exit (122). The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy HHR were both northbound at the time of the crash; police say the driver of the Chevy veered off the road and crashed into the Jeep as he tried to get back on the interstate. After colliding, the vehicles careened into a nearby field and flipped numerous times.

A trooper saw the collision unfold and drove across the field to help the crash victims.

"The trooper and others on scene began to search the area in an attempt to find the driver of the Chevrolet. Returning to the patrol car, the trooper discovered the body of a deceased male under the front of his patrol vehicle," the Colorado Springs Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.

The body was confirmed to be the Chevy driver. An autopsy determined the driver was killed immediately after he was ejected from his vehicle. Police say the trooper's vehicle did not run over the body.

Despite happening in State Patrol's jurisdiction, the CSPD was called down to investigate the crash as an outside agency due to the trooper's involvement.

The deceased was identified Tuesday as 33-year-old Joshua Newell of Pueblo. Newell was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The driver in Jeep did wear a seat belt and survived.

The crash remains under investigation. Speed and alcohol and/or drugs have not been ruled out as potential factors.

The trooper is on paid administrative leave.