Tragic Colorado Crash Kills Five, Including Three Children

The crash and its timeline

The tragic sequence of events began with a carjacking in Aurora and culminated in a fatal collision about an hour later. At approximately 3:45 PM, Walter Huling, 31, of Denver, allegedly stole a Toyota Matrix from a woman at the Nine Mile Station RTD parking structure. The victim reported the man pulled her from her vehicle as she was getting in and drove away. 

About 45 minutes later, at roughly 4:40 PM, the stolen Toyota was traveling southbound on Highway 83 near mile marker 40.5 when Huling lost control. The vehicle veered off the right shoulder, over-corrected, and rolled into the northbound lanes, where it was struck head-on by a tan Ford Fusion carrying a father and five children. The impact was catastrophic, with the Toyota continuing its trajectory to strike a black Ford pickup truck before coming to a rest.

The victims and the aftermath

The human toll of the crash is profound, claiming the lives of a father, two of his children, and a family friend. The Ford Fusion was carrying Alvin Corado, 35, his three children, and two of their friends. Tragically, Alvin and two of his children—11-year-old MaKenlee and 8-year-old Toretto—were pronounced dead at the scene. Also killed was the children's friend, 12-year-old Jase Green.

The crash left two teenagers fighting for their lives. Alvin's 13-year-old daughter, Mia Corado, and Jase's 14-year-old brother were airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to her mother, Marissa Corado, Mia suffered a devastating array of injuries, including a lacerated liver, a broken back, a fractured pelvis, and lung contusions. In a heartbreaking online post, her mother shared that Mia was conscious throughout the entire ordeal and remembers every detail. Despite her own pain, Mia's first concern was for her mother, telling her she was "sorry that I lost my children."

The community has rallied around the families. A GoFundMe has been established to help with funeral expenses for the children and Alvin, as well as the extensive medical costs for Mia's long recovery. MaKenlee's school, Sabin Middle School, released a statement remembering her as a "bright, joyful presence" who was "friends with everyone."

Investigation and emerging details

The Colorado State Patrol's Vehicular Crimes Unit is leading the investigation into the precise cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet determined why Huling lost control of the stolen vehicle. What has emerged is concerning context about the driver's background. The Douglas County District Attorney revealed that Huling had an 11-page criminal history dating back to his childhood, with prior charges including assault, burglary, and driving under the influence.

Colorado Department of Corrections records confirm Huling was on parole at the time of the crash, having been sentenced to six years in prison for a 2019 assault conviction. District Attorney George Brauchler expressed frustration with the system, stating, "This guy's criminal history and the fact that he appears to have been on parole and this happened seems like we are failing the community."

What this means for road safety

This tragedy is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road due to actions that are completely beyond one's control.

• The unpredictable danger: This incident underscores that even responsible, law-abiding drivers can suffer catastrophic consequences from the reckless actions of others. It emphasizes the importance of defensive driving and maintaining constant awareness of your surroundings, as hazards can emerge from any direction without warning
• The critical role of seatbelts: The Colorado State Patrol noted that the four children in the back seat of the Ford Fusion were not wearing seatbelts. This devastating detail reinforces that seat belts are one of the most effective protections in a crash, especially for back-seat passengers

This heartbreaking event has left a community in mourning and a family forever changed. As the investigation continues, it serves as a somber moment to reflect on the shared responsibility we all have for safety on the road.