Father’s Fatal Crash Traumatizes Daughter and Hockey Teammates in Colorado
Tragedy struck a youth hockey team from Southern California during a road trip in Colorado, leading to a fatal accident that has left the community devastated. The incident involved a collision between a rented Sprinter van carrying the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, a 12-and-under girls’ ice hockey team, and a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident occurred around 9 a.m. on a snowy stretch of Interstate 70 in Clear Creek County, approximately 55 miles west of Denver. The players were on their way to a Western Girls Hockey League tournament when the van collided head-on with the snowplow. The impact was severe, leading to the snowplow’s blade being torn off and the van being flipped off the road.
Casualties and Injuries
The van was driven by the father of one of the players, who sadly became the sole fatality of the accident. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Among the 10 individuals on board, eight were reported injured. Here’s a breakdown of the injuries:
- One player was airlifted to a trauma center in critical condition.
- Four children and three adults were treated at local hospitals.
- Two of the hospitalized adults remain in serious condition.
- The third adult is listed in fair condition.
Community Response
The tragic incident has left families and players in shock. Serge Zarubin, a father of one of the team members, expressed the difficulty in explaining the situation to their daughters. He stated, “It’s hard for them. It’s hard on grown-ups. It’s even harder for the kids.”
Kelly Lytle, another concerned parent, articulated the heartache felt across the Santa Clarita Valley, noting the lasting impact of losing a parent is deeply disheartening. Prescott Littlefield, president of the Santa Clarita Flyers, mentioned how shocking it was to face a tragedy involving someone they know.
Support for the Affected Families
In light of the incident, the hockey club issued a statement on social media, asking for privacy and prayers for the families impacted. They emphasized the importance of community support during this challenging time, expressing a strong need for time to process the traumatic event.
This devastating crash serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact it can have on young athletes and their families. The Santa Clarita Lady Flyers community continues to stand together, providing support as they navigate this heartbreaking situation.
