Wheat Ridge, CO (May 23, 2026) — A Wheat Ridge family is speaking out about the charges levied against the driver involved in a crash that killed an 18-year-old man early Friday morning.
Authorities believe the driver of a box truck fell asleep at the wheel on Interstate 70, causing the truck to crash with its dark undercarriage facing oncoming traffic. Four vehicles subsequently struck the truck, including one driven by Gavyn Blatter.
The 18-year-old died in the crash, which occurred at approximately 2:40 a.m.
The driver of the box truck was cited with two misdemeanors, including careless driving resulting in death. Blatter’s family has described the citations as unjust and insufficient given the circumstances, and they have also raised concerns about a lack of lighting along that stretch of the highway.
Family members described Blatter as a beloved son who enjoyed fishing and mechanical work, and who was just two weeks away from becoming a father.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Blatter’s family.
