Families hold vigil to remember four teens killed in a car crash

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (KDVR) — It has been nearly three years since four teens lost their lives in a car crash in Commerce City on Highway 85. On Saturday, family members and loved ones held a vigil in their memory and to spread the message of safety.

"We’re coming out here to bring the remembrance of the four teens that tragically lost their lives on February 25, 2022, to bring up awareness in the community," said Dianna Bledsoe, mother of one of the victims. "Slow down and pay attention to their surroundings and get off their phones so everyone can make it home safely to their families and nobody has to go through the holidays without their loved ones."

Driver Brandon Howey was found guilty in November in connection to the February 2022 crash. Commerce City Police said he was going more than 90 miles an hour near Highway 85 and 112th Avenue when he crashed into a vehicle carrying eight teenagers. The jury ultimately convicted Howey of four counts of Careless Driving Resulting in Death and four counts of Careless Driving Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. He will be sentenced on January 24.

John Bledsoe, Jamie Withers, Katelyn Sweeney and Michael Burkhard lost their lives that night.

"It’s justice, but it doesn’t bring my child back," Bledsoe said. "I don’t get to take my baby home."

On Saturday, Dec. 21, a group of about 30 people came out to place solar lamps, homemade signs and release balloons.

Bledsoe said she wanted to do the remembrance right before the holidays to recognize there are some who will be missing loved ones this Christmas.

"It’s that empty chair during the holidays and thinking about that and I just want to see people get home safely," Bledsoe said.