A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 east of the Eisenhower–Johnson tunnel left one man dead and at least one adult fighting for life in a Denver intensive care unit, according to family and officials. Brenda Greenwald remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Denver Health, her husband says, while relatives care for the couple's children back in California. The Greenwalds say they have been overwhelmed by meals, messages, and donations as emergency crews and investigators work through the aftermath of the wreck.
Family's Condition, In Husband's Words
Jason Greenwald told KDVR that his wife, Brenda, remains in the intensive care unit at Denver Health and faces a long recovery after sustaining multiple injuries, including broken ribs, a broken clavicle, fractures to several lumbar vertebrae, a broken pelvis, intestinal tears, internal bleeding, brain swelling, and small blood clots. "She is in the ICU, we do not know when she will be released, or what that looks like," he told the station. Jason said he returned to California to care for the couple's children while relatives coordinate Brenda's medical care in Denver.
What Officials Say About The Crash
Per a preliminary account from the Colorado State Patrol, reported by the AP, the collision happened on Thursday when a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow lost control on eastbound I-70, crossed the median, and struck a Sprinter van carrying a California girls' hockey team as well as other vehicles. The driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene, and several passengers were taken to area hospitals. The State Patrol's Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into why the plow entered the eastbound lanes.
Who Was Hurt And Where They Went
Local hospitals treated children and adults from the crash; Colorado Public Radio reports that four juveniles treated at Denver Health have been discharged or were in the process of being released, while adults remained hospitalized in varying conditions. One young passenger was airlifted to a trauma center for specialized care, according to local coverage, and officials say there were no reported injuries among occupants of the other involved vehicles. Medical teams at Denver Health and Children's Hospital Colorado handled the immediate trauma response after the wreck.
Community Response And Fundraisers
Hockey leagues and Colorado charities mobilized quickly, setting up donation pages and offering travel and lodging support for families who flew in from California, Denver7 reported. A GoFundMe to help the Greenwald family with medical costs has also been posted at GoFundMe, and organizers say the cash and in-kind donations have helped cover flights, hotels, and immediate bills. Team officials and volunteer groups say the outpouring has been steady since the crash was reported.
Investigation Is Ongoing
The Colorado State Patrol's Vehicular Crimes Unit continues to piece together events from the scene, and investigators have cautioned that determining fault will take time, per reporting by the Denver Gazette. Preliminary images and statements show the plow crossed the median and struck multiple vehicles before coming to rest, and troopers say they will release additional findings as the probe proceeds. For now, state and county investigators continue working to reconstruct the sequence of the crash.
Jason Greenwald told KDVR his family has been "overwhelmed" by the support and expressed gratitude to the medical teams caring for Brenda. State and county investigators say the probe remains open and that more information will be released as findings are confirmed.
