A deadly collision on a busy stretch of northbound I-25 near Auraria Parkway in downtown Denver left a pedestrian dead Saturday evening and snarled traffic for drivers trying to get into the city, authorities said. The person had reportedly gotten out of a stalled vehicle before being struck by oncoming traffic, and lane closures quickly stacked up delays as investigators and emergency crews moved in.
Police: Pedestrian Exited Stalled Vehicle Before Being Struck
According to the Denver Police Department, the crash unfolded on northbound I-25 near Auraria Parkway after the pedestrian exited a stalled vehicle and was hit by passing traffic. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and several motorists suffered serious injuries in the chain-reaction collision, police said. Officers warned drivers to brace for extended delays while the crash team documented the roadway and cleared the wreckage.
Pedestrian Safety Remains a Focus in Colorado
Pedestrian deaths have been climbing across Colorado in recent years, with busy urban corridors like Denver consistently showing up in statewide safety data. As The Colorado Sun has reported, non-motorist fatalities remain a stubborn problem for planners and police. Data highlighted in the Colorado Department of Transportation’s fatal-crash dashboard have helped spur local agencies to expand Vision Zero and other efforts meant to cut down on deadly encounters along highways and city streets.
Investigators Ask Witnesses to Come Forward
Per the Denver Police Department, the investigation into the I-25 crash is still underway, and detectives are asking anyone with information or video of what happened to contact police at 720-913-2000 or call or text 911 in an emergency. Investigators are working to piece together how the pedestrian ended up on the highway and whether any criminal charges might follow. The name of the person who died has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.
