The driver in a fatal head-on collision tested positive for having meth in his system.
By Jon Johnson
GREENLEE COUNTY – Methamphetamine use may have contributed to a fatal collision on U.S. Highway 191 that occurred in December 2020.
The double fatality occurred Dec. 15, 2020, at about 5:19 p.m. at milepost 135 in a section of Highway 191 known as “The Stretch” between Highway 70 and the Black Hills area.
A blood test analysis by the Pima County Office of Medical Examiner showed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in driver Britton Paul David Shuck, 28, of Morenci. Shuck was southbound in a black, 2010 Chevy HHR when – for an unknown reason – he crossed the centerline and collided with a northbound red, 2019 Chevy Cruze driven by Jaimee Marie Rodriguez, 20, of Duncan/York. Both Shuck and Rodriguez were pronounced deceased at the scene. A witness told investigators that Shuck had been recklessly passing vehicles at speeds much greater than the posted limit.
Prior to hitting the Cruze, Shuck’s vehicle struck the mirror of a northbound, white, 2016 Chevy Malibu driven by Margaret G. Monjaras, 68, with passenger Melissa Renae Monjaras, 32, both of Clifton. Both women in the Malibu were uninjured in the glancing blow.
Shuck’s Chevy then continued into the northbound lane and collided head-on with the Cruze.
In addition to the presence of amphetamine, the autopsy also revealed Shuck – who reportedly had a medical marijuana card – also had the active ingredient of cannabis (THC) in his blood at the time of the collision. DPS troopers located a meth pipe in Shuck’s jacket as well as a broken meth pipe and a small bag of marijuana in the HHR.
