The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has released the names of two young men killed in a pickup truck crash that occurred on Saturday, July 5, on the South Circle Drive overpass above Hancock Expressway.
According to CSPD, a pickup truck was heading south on Circle Drive with two unrestrained passengers riding in the truck bed when another vehicle rear-ended the truck. The impact threw both passengers from the back of the vehicle.
One of the passengers died at the scene despite life-saving efforts. The El Paso County Coroner later identified him as 20-year-old Fernando Gallardo-Franco following an autopsy on Monday, July 7.
The second passenger was taken to the hospital with serious injuries but died from those injuries on Friday, July 18. He was identified by the coroner as 19-year-old Jorge Cruz.
The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash was arrested at the scene for driving under the influence. CSPD identified him as 20-year-old Chase Antonio Chason. He faces charges of Vehicular Homicide and DUI.
These deaths mark the 24th and 25th traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs for 2025. At this time last year, the city had reported 31 traffic-related deaths.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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