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Troopers identify 3 people killed in head-on crash on I-70

Posted at 10:14 AM, Dec 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-27 00:17:57-05

AURORA, Colo. – The Colorado State Patrol has identified the three people killed in a crash on I-70 in Aurora on Christmas.

The crash occurred at about 7:30 p.m. Monday in the eastbound lanes of I-70 near E-470. Troopers said the driver of a Dodge van, Gerald Arnett, 86, of Wheat Ridge, was driving west in the eastbound lanes before he crashed head-on into a Dodge pickup going east.

Arnett and his passenger, Betty Arnett, 96, were both killed, as was a passenger in the pickup, identified Tuesday as Katie Paul, 24, of Strasburg. 

The truck’s driver, Kyle Parker, 24, also of Strasburg, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators are working to figure out how Arnett ended up going the wrong way on the interstate.

Parker and the family of Paul issued a statement Tuesday evening:

“Katie was a bright light in every single person’s life she touched. We thank everyone for their condolences, continued support and outpouring of love.

We ask that everyone respect our privacy and decision to decline requests for interviews at this time.”