BRIGHTON, CO — A fatal crash occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on October 15, 2023, at Weld County Road 2.5 and Highway 85, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
According to the Brighton Police Department, a Ford SUV ran a stop sign, colliding with a northbound GMC SUV. Two occupants of the Ford were ejected; one was pronounced dead at the scene while the other sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Authorities believe the deceased may have been struck by another vehicle following the initial collision. That vehicle fled the scene and details are not currently available. Two additional occupants of the Ford fled on foot but were later found and also taken to the hospital.
The GMC’s occupants were transported for injuries, though the exact number of individuals in that vehicle has not been disclosed. The highway was closed for several hours to facilitate cleanup and investigation.
Officers apprehended one of the fleeing individuals, identified as 20-year-old Erik Diaz Olivas, who was treated at the hospital and subsequently booked into the Weld County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide DUI and reckless endangerment.
The identity of the deceased is pending release from the coroner’s office. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Brighton Police Department at (303) 655-8740.