A crash at East Alameda Avenue and East Fairmount Drive in Denver ended in tragedy when a passenger in the vehicle was pronounced dead, police said Friday. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Andres Martinez, was arrested and is being held for investigation of vehicular homicide. Emergency crews shut down lanes around the wreck, and drivers in the area were told to brace for delays.
Police update
According to an update posted on X, the Denver Police Department said the collision involved a single motorist and resulted in serious injuries. The passenger in the vehicle was pronounced deceased, and officers identified the driver as 32-year-old Andres Martinez. Police said Martinez is being held for investigation of vehicular homicide and advised motorists to expect delays near the intersection while emergency responders and investigators worked the scene, per the Denver Police Department.
What vehicular homicide means in Colorado
In Colorado, vehicular homicide applies when a person operates a motor vehicle recklessly or while impaired, and that conduct is the proximate cause of another person's death. The statute, C.R.S. 18-3-106, outlines several different ways the offense can be charged and treats it as a felony, with penalties that vary depending on the specific circumstances, according to the Colorado Revised Statutes.
What officials are still investigating
Police have not released the name of the passenger who died and have not provided details about what led up to the collision. Investigators have also not said whether impairment, speed, or any other factors played a role. Martinez remains in custody while detectives continue to gather evidence. Prosecutors will decide later whether to file formal charges after reviewing the case. The scene is still under investigation, and the department has said additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
