Community Grieves Sudden Loss of Newlyweds in Colorado Incident

A tragic accident on a Colorado interstate claimed the lives of newlyweds and the bride’s mother, just days after the couple’s wedding celebration.

At a Glance

Newlyweds Ruben Rodriguez and Juliana Rodriguez-Plata, along with Juliana’s mother, were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on I-70 in Colorado.
The accident occurred when a semi-truck overturned, spilling heavy pipes across the highway.
The couple had just celebrated their wedding and their son’s first birthday days before the tragedy.
The couple’s 1-year-old son and Juliana’s father survived the crash but were injured.
Police are investigating the incident and seeking witnesses to provide information.

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Newlyweds and Mother

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, newlyweds Ruben Rodriguez and Juliana Rodriguez-Plata, along with Juliana’s mother, Luz Melba Martinez, lost their lives in a devastating crash on Interstate 70 in Colorado. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 15, just before 8:30 a.m., mere days after the couple had celebrated their wedding and their son’s first birthday.

The tragedy unfolded when a semi-truck overturned on the interstate, spilling nearly 100 large blue plastic tubes, each weighing approximately 500 pounds, across more than two football fields of the highway. The couple’s vehicle was among at least seven involved in the ensuing multi-vehicle collision.

Newlyweds killed in crash days after wedding when semi overturns on Colorado interstate https://t.co/pBb3R6GisG

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 19, 2024

Family’s Joyous Celebration Turns to Heartbreak

The newlyweds were traveling with their 1-year-old son, Daniel “Danny,” and Juliana’s parents when the accident occurred. While the couple and Juliana’s mother tragically lost their lives, Juliana’s father, Carlos Joaquin Plata, and the young child survived but were injured in the crash.

“Today has been one of the hardest days we have ever faced. We are heartbroken to share that Ruben Rodriguez, Juliana Rodriguez Plata, and Luz Melba Martinez were tragically taken from us in an accident,” Janell Rodriguez wrote in a post. “Ruben and Juliana had just begun their beautiful journey together, having celebrated their wedding this past Saturday. They leave behind their precious 1-year-old son, Daniel.” https://www.foxnews.com/us/newlyweds-killed-crash-days-after-wedding-when-semi-overturns-colorado-interstate

The sudden loss has left the family and community reeling, grappling with the profound impact of this tragedy. Carlos, who survived the crash, now faces the unimaginable pain of losing both his daughter and wife in such a short span of time.

Investigation Underway as Community Mourns

The Wheat Ridge Police Department, in conjunction with the First Judicial DA’s Office of Colorado, has launched an investigation into the accident. Authorities are seeking witnesses to the crash and have asked them to contact the Crash and Traffic Team (CATT) at (303) 235-2933. The investigation is in its early stages and is expected to take weeks to complete.

“I saw when the pipes were going so I just closed my eyes and no reaction, I just felt the impact and I woke up out of nowhere and just saw the baby crying and everyone unconscious, not waking up,” he said. “It was terrible, the accident, the image, all the blood. They were just instantly dead. Seeing my whole family, my daughter and my wife dead.” https://www.foxnews.com/us/newlyweds-killed-crash-days-after-wedding-when-semi-overturns-colorado-interstate

As the community mourns this tragic loss, the police department and Victim Outreach Incorporated are providing support to the affected families. A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover expenses for the family, particularly for the care of young Daniel, who now faces life without his parents.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. As the investigation continues, many hope that lessons learned from this tragedy may help prevent similar accidents in the future.