IDs Of 3 Killed In Crash Near Larkspur Released
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has released the identities of three people killed in a crash that occurred Friday evening along Interstate 25 near Larkspur.
According to the sheriff's office, Valentine "Timothy" Baca, 40; Simon Gene Mejia, 40; and a male minor age of 15 were all killed in the crash.
The crash happened on the frontage road along the northbound lanes of I-25 at Greenland where the vehicle plummeted 20 feet into a culvert.
All three killed were in one vehicle. Investigators worked to determine what led up to the crash but believe the vehicle veered off the interstate to avoid a collision with another vehicle.
State troopers believe the SUV was traveling the speed limit along I-25 when it came upon slowed traffic but are investigating witness reports of another vehicle brake-checking or intentionally slamming on the brakes in front of the victims' vehicle prior to the crash.
Investigators said after the SUV struck the grassy embankment, it went airborne for about 50 feet then slammed into the wall of a culvert. All three inside were killed instantly.
"There is a creek that flows here and it's clearly not visible," said Colorado State Patrol Sgt. James Seneca. "Just a bad coincidence that it happened at this particular location."
The trio was traveling back to Denver from Colorado Springs as part of a family moving business.
All three occupants were not wearing seat belts. Authorities don't believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.
The Colorado State Patrol is asking for anyone who may have seen the crash or saw another vehicle involved to contact investigators at (303) 239-4501.
Additional Resources
Loved ones have started a GoFundMe campaign to help support the victims' families.