5 teens killed after vehicle plunges off cliff in Colorado; 3 identified
Three of the five teenagers killed when their vehicle went off a cliff in western Colorado have been identified. All five victims were 17-year-old boys from Grand Junction.
The crash occurred near 2694 Lookout Lane in Grand Junction, according to police. First responders were called at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday after a 911 caller reported that a vehicle may have driven over the edge of a cliff.
Investigators believe the vehicle was traveling south on Lookout Lane when it veered off the roadway and went down the steep hillside. All five teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Autopsies determined that the teens died from injuries sustained in the crash. Three of them, including the driver and front-seat passenger, were wearing seatbelts. The two who were not wearing seatbelts were ejected from the vehicle.
Three of the victims have been identified by their families on GoFundMe as William Simms, Tyler Kersey and Tristan Tucker.
Tyler’s father described him as “an amazing older brother” who was “incredibly intelligent” and “talented in everything he did.”
Tristan was described as “full of life, potential, and a free spirit” as he prepared to begin his senior year, get his driver’s license and “do all the things teenagers do.”
William’s sibling said losing him “so suddenly has turned our world upside down,” adding that the family wanted to honor his wishes and “lay him to rest the way he wanted.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Police said speed is being examined as a possible factor.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
