A Colorado snowplow driver is facing multiple charges after authorities say he caused a chain-reaction crash that killed a father and injured several members of a youth hockey team.
Deadly Crash on Interstate 70
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash occurred just before 9 a.m. on Interstate 70 and involved a state-operated snowplow, a van carrying a girls hockey team, and two additional vehicles.
Investigators say 29-year-old Colton Wiedman, who was driving a snowplow for the Colorado Department of Transportation, lost control of the vehicle on a slushy roadway.
Chain Reaction Collision
Authorities say the plow crossed the median into oncoming traffic after breaking through a cable barrier.
It first struck a Toyota Tacoma, which was pushed back across the median and collided with another vehicle. The snowplow then continued into eastbound lanes, where it struck a sprinter van carrying a youth hockey team.
The impact sent the van down an embankment.
Victim Identified
Officials say 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana Villegas, who was driving the van, was killed in the crash.
Villegas, a father from California, was remembered by loved ones as a devoted parent and business owner.
Injuries Reported
One child was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. Several other children and adults were also hospitalized with injuries.
The passengers were part of the 12AA Lady Flyers hockey team, which had been traveling to Colorado for a tournament.
Charges Filed
Wiedman is facing one count of careless driving resulting in death, along with multiple counts of careless driving causing serious bodily injury and bodily injury. He is also charged with failing to stay in his lane.
Community Impact
In a statement, the hockey team described the crash as a devastating event that turned a planned trip into a tragedy.
Families were left dealing with grief and injuries far from home.
Next Steps
Wiedman is scheduled to be arraigned on May 5 in Clear Creek County.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash.
