Sheriff E.E. Redmon were traveling to Price on a prisoner extradition. Officer Rosette was a passenger in the Mesa County police vehicle. Approximately two miles southeast of Price, a large eastbound truck paused to allow the officers' vehicle to pass before making a left turn. The truck was struck from behind by a semi tractor-trailer. The collision forced the first truck into the path of the oncoming police vehicle. Officer Rosette suffered blunt force trauma to his chest and was killed instantly. Sheriff Redmon suffered critical injuries but survived. An inquest conducted two weeks later found the driver of the semi truck negligent. Rosette had been a member of the Colorado State Patrol since July 18, 1936.