GRAND JUNCTION, CO, (August 11, 2026) – Five 17-year-old boys, including William Simms, died after their vehicle left the roadway and traveled down a hillside in Grand Junction, according to the Mesa County Coroner’s Office.
Grand Junction police officers and firefighters responded to the crash near 2694 Lookout Lane at about 7:45 a.m. Sunday. However, authorities believe the collision occurred late Saturday night.
Investigators said the teenagers were traveling south on Lookout Lane when their vehicle left the roadway and went off a cliff before continuing down the hillside.
According to the coroner’s office, two of the teenagers were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. The other three occupants, including the driver and front-seat passenger, were wearing seatbelts.
William Simms was identified as one of the five teenagers who died in the crash.
Police have released limited information about the circumstances surrounding the collision. Speed is currently being investigated as a primary factor, authorities said.
The Grand Junction Police Department continues to investigate the crash.
