Executive Summary
- Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas, 38, identified as the driver killed in the I-70 crash.
- Preliminary investigation suggests a westbound snowplow lost control and crossed into eastbound lanes.
- Eight passengers in the hockey team van were injured; four juveniles have been released from care.
- The Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the ongoing investigation.
DENVER – The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has released the identities of the individuals involved in a fatal multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 70 that claimed the life of a California man and injured several members of a youth girls’ hockey team.
According to a preliminary investigation by the CSP, the incident occurred on the morning of January 29 near the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnel complex. Authorities state that 29-year-old Colton A. Weidman of Littleton was operating a snowplow westbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The plow crossed into the eastbound lanes, colliding with oncoming traffic.
The Denver Gazette reports that the primary impact involved a Ford Transit van transporting the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, a hockey team from California. Officials identified the driver of the van as 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas. Lorenzana-Villegas, who was the father of one of the players, was the sole fatality confirmed in the crash.
In addition to the van, investigators noted that two other vehicles were involved in the collision: a Toyota Tacoma driven by Daniel J. Eckert of Silverthorne and a BMW X1 driven by Roland C. Balkenede of Denver. A 65-year-old female passenger was also reported to be in the Tacoma at the time of the crash.
State Patrol officials confirmed that eight passengers in the van sustained injuries. As of Thursday, four injured juveniles had been released from medical care. Two adults remained in serious condition, while another was listed in fair condition. Despite the incident, the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers continued to compete, winning the Western Girls Hockey League championship on February 1.
Investigative Outlook
The collision remains under active investigation by the Colorado State Patrol Vehicular Crimes Unit. Investigators are currently reconstructing the sequence of events to determine why the plow operator lost control near the tunnel complex. This inquiry will likely focus on mechanical inspections of the heavy equipment, road surface conditions at the time of the accident, and operator protocols. The findings of the Vehicular Crimes Unit will be critical in determining whether any criminal negligence was involved or if the event is classified as a tragic accident resulting from hazardous winter conditions.
