COMMERCE CITY, Colorado — A morning commute turned deadly Wednesday when a suspected drunk driver crashed into multiple vehicles on one of the area’s busiest highways, killing one person and sending two others to the hospital.
The 20-year-old driver, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody by the Commerce City Police Department on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide.
The crash involved five vehicles in total.
What Happened on U.S. 85
The collision took place on U.S. 85, a major highway that connects Commerce City and Brighton and sees heavy traffic during morning hours.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, and the highway was shut down in both directions for hours — between Longs Peak Drive in Commerce City and East 124th Avenue in Brighton.
The closure caused significant disruption for morning commuters across the area.
One person at the scene did not survive. Two others were injured, though the severity of their conditions has not been released by authorities.
Driver Arrested on Two Serious Charges
The 20-year-old suspect faces two serious charges — driving under the influence and vehicular homicide.
Police have not yet released the driver’s name or additional details about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Commerce City Police Department is leading the investigation. It is not yet known whether charges have been formally filed or when the suspect’s first court appearance is scheduled.
A Highway Known for High-Speed Travel
U.S. 85 is a well-traveled corridor through Adams County, connecting communities south of Denver with northern suburbs including Brighton and beyond.
DUI-related crashes on highways like U.S. 85 are among the most deadly — high speeds combined with impaired reaction times leave little room for survival when things go wrong.
Wednesday’s crash is a reminder of how quickly a single decision can end a life and change others forever.
Investigation Is Ongoing
Authorities have not yet provided a full timeline of events or confirmed the exact cause of the multi-vehicle pileup.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to be released by the Commerce City Police Department.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact local authorities.
Did you witness the crash or were you stuck in the closure Wednesday morning? Share what you saw in the comments — your account could help the community understand what happened.
