KREMMLING, Colo. (BN24) — A Colorado family of five, including three young children, was killed early Monday morning in a head-on collision involving a wrong-way driver on Highway 9 near Kremmling, authorities confirmed.
Shortly after 7 a.m., a Ford F-150 traveling northbound veered into the southbound lane near mile marker 136, slamming into a GMC Yukon carrying the Cabral-Banuelos family. The violent impact ignited both vehicles, according to Colorado State Patrol.
All five victims—Andres Cabral-Banuelos, 2; Manuel Cabral-Banuelos, 5; Maria Cabral-Banuelos, 12; Andrea Banuelos-Salazar, 30; and Manuel Cabral-Torres, 34—were pronounced dead at the scene. First responders were unable to save the family, who were residents of Kremmling, a rural town located roughly 100 miles northwest of Denver.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 25-year-old man, survived with life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not released his name, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
“The loss of an entire family is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts are with all who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time,” the Grand County Coroner’s Office said in a statement.
The Cabral-Banuelos family’s deaths have shaken the small Kremmling community, where neighbors and relatives are mourning the devastating loss. Family members say Manuel Cabral-Torres was a dedicated father who cherished time with his children.
“In a moment’s time, all five of them are gone,” said cousin Javier Torres-Garcia. “Just one person alone is tough on a lot of people, but five — it’s just so hard. His youngest was 2 and his oldest was 12. They had their whole life ahead of them.”
A fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and transport the victims’ bodies. Relatives are calling for public support as they remember a family known for its unity and love.
“He always tried to bring the family together, no matter what,” Torres-Garcia said. “Even if it was just for a day or two, he’d make the time. Manny was a great dude. His kids were very young. He’s going to be missed by a lot of people.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported 278 traffic fatalities statewide as of early July, slightly down from 307 recorded at the same time last year.
