Denver, Colorado – A Colorado man is facing a long and painful recovery after a friend says he risked his own life to save a pedestrian from being struck in a hit-and-run crash. The incident happened on Valentine’s Day at a busy Denver intersection, leaving two people hospitalized with serious injuries.
Friends say Juan Oropeza stepped into harm’s way to protect someone else, suffering the worst of the impact when a vehicle allegedly fled the scene.
Incident Overview
According to the Denver Police Department, the crash occurred on February 14 near East Colfax Avenue and North Pearl Street in Denver. Authorities reported that a vehicle struck two pedestrians before leaving the area.
Both injured individuals were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Police have confirmed the case is being investigated as a hit-and-run.
One of the injured pedestrians was identified by friends as Juan Oropeza, described as a reservist, dedicated employee, and loyal friend.
Heroic Act Before Impact
Oropeza’s close friend and co-worker, Andrew Gress, says the injuries happened while Oropeza was trying to protect someone else.
“Somebody else was going into traffic, and he saved them,” Gress said. “I don’t know if it was a push or pull, but he saved a person who’s half his size from getting hit by a vehicle, and he took the shot himself.”
Gress described Oropeza as someone who naturally puts others first, adding that his actions were not out of character.
“Juan is a soldier. He’s a reservist. He’s a good employee. He’s a good friend,” Gress said. “Juan’s a hero, a textbook superhero.”
According to Gress, Oropeza absorbed the brunt of the impact when the vehicle struck them.
Injuries and Ongoing Medical Treatment
The crash left Oropeza facing a difficult medical journey. Gress says his friend is dealing with significant pain and has multiple procedures ahead.
“He has pending surgeries. I talk to him every day; he’s in a lot of pain. He’s not doing well. He’s not Juan anymore. He’s hurt Juan, unfortunately,” Gress said.
While officials have not released detailed medical information, the injuries were described as serious, requiring hospitalization and ongoing care.
The second pedestrian’s condition has not been publicly detailed beyond being hospitalized with serious injuries.
Police Investigation Into Hit-and-Run
Authorities confirmed that the driver involved in the collision left the scene. Hit-and-run incidents can carry severe criminal penalties in Colorado, especially when they result in serious bodily injury.
Police have not yet released information about the suspect vehicle or potential charges. Investigators continue working to identify the driver responsible.
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries can result in felony charges, license suspension, and significant fines under Colorado law. Law enforcement agencies routinely urge drivers to remain at crash scenes and render aid when safe to do so.
Community Fundraiser Launched
To support Oropeza during his recovery, Gress has launched an online fundraiser aimed at covering medical expenses and related costs.
“I don’t want Juan to ever have to not just pay a bill, but I don’t want him to have to look at a bill,” Gress said. “I want him to be able to bring me whatever he gets from any hospital, or from the ambulance ride, or from the overnight emergency room visit, and I want to be able to take care of this for him.”
Gress says Oropeza has been reluctant to accept financial help, but he believes the community’s support will ease some of the stress during recovery.
Rising Concerns About Pedestrian Safety
This incident also highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas. Busy corridors like East Colfax Avenue often see heavy vehicle and foot traffic, increasing the risk of collisions.
Traffic safety advocates recommend:
- Staying alert near intersections
- Avoiding distracted driving
- Using crosswalks and obeying traffic signals
- Slowing down in high-pedestrian areas
Hit-and-run crashes remain a serious public safety issue nationwide, often leaving victims without immediate assistance and complicating investigations.
Conclusion
What began as an ordinary day turned into a life-altering moment for Juan Oropeza, whose quick action may have saved another person’s life. As he faces surgeries and a lengthy recovery, his friends and community are rallying behind him while police continue searching for the driver involved.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Denver Police Department.
If you have witnessed a hit-and-run or have tips that could assist investigators, consider reaching out to local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
