GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Five 17-year-old boys were killed after the vehicle they were in went off the edge of a cliff along Lookout Lane in Orchard Mesa, authorities said.
Crash discovered Sunday morning; no survivors
Grand Junction police responded after a passerby called 911 Sunday morning to report wreckage off the side of the roadway. First responders used rope teams to descend the cliff to the crash scene. There were no survivors, and because all of the victims were minors, police have not released their names.
Officials said three of the teens were wearing seat belts and two were not. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, including whether speed played a role. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office and other investigative units are involved in the ongoing probe.
Community and schools mobilize support
Mesa County Valley School District officials said schools would have resources available for students and staff when classes resume Tuesday. The district will provide counselors and additional support services to help students and employees process the loss, according to a district statement.
Grand Junction police emphasized the availability of victim services to family members and the community. Kelly Clingman of the Grand Junction Police Department noted the importance of mental health and grief support in the aftermath of a traumatic incident.
“Those professionals who deal with mental health and grief counselors, any type of professional like that, they are so vital for people to talk to,” said Kelly Clingman of the Grand Junction Police Department.
Known facts about the crash
The following details have been confirmed by police and local authorities:
- Number of fatalities: 5
- Victims' ages: all 17 years old
- Location: Lookout Lane, Orchard Mesa, south of Grand Junction
- Seat belt use: 3 were wearing seat belts, 2 were not
- Investigation: Ongoing; speed is being examined as a possible factor
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Time discovered | Sunday morning (exact time not released) |
| Vehicle location | Off the side of the roadway, over the edge of a cliff |
| Response | Rope teams used to descend to wreckage; victim services activated |
Investigation and public safety reminders
Authorities have not released details about whether the vehicle left the roadway on its own or after contact with another vehicle. Investigators typically examine vehicle damage, roadway conditions, witness statements and any available video to determine sequence and cause. Toxicology and autopsy results, when completed, may also be part of the final determination.
Local officials often use such incidents to remind drivers about roadway safety, including the importance of wearing seat belts, adhering to posted speed limits and avoiding distractions behind the wheel. The preliminary information that two of the victims were not restrained underscores ongoing public safety messaging about seat belt use.
Support for families and students
The Grand Junction Police Department said its victim services unit is offering support. Mesa County Valley School District officials said they would deploy counselors and other resources at schools to help students and staff cope with the tragedy when the district reopens.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the crash to contact the Grand Junction Police Department’s traffic unit. As this is an active investigation, police said they will release additional details when appropriate and when family notifications are completed.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Hannah Sorensen is the state correspondent for WE NEWS covering western Colorado.
