WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — A semi-truck driver, identified as 32-year-old Rayshawn Cox, caused a five-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 70, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old driver early Saturday.
The crash occurred between Ward Road and Kipling Street, shutting down the highway for approximately 12 hours. According to the Wheat Ridge Police Department, Cox fell asleep while driving, veering off the shoulder and flipping the truck, which came to rest on its side.
As eastbound traffic continued, four vehicles collided with the truck's undercarriage. One of those vehicles contained an 18-year-old driver who was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Another driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Cox and a passenger in the semi were also hospitalized with serious injuries but have since been treated and released.
Authorities confirmed that the semi was below the weight threshold requiring the driver to hold a Commercial Driver's License. Cox has been issued a summons for careless driving resulting in death and two counts of careless driving causing serious bodily injury. The investigation remains active, with potential for additional charges as more evidence becomes available.