WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- A 17-year old Westminster teen died Tuesday morning after her car slammed into an 18-wheel gravel truck that had stopped at a red light. Police said Carissa Lynn Thompson was eastbound on 120th Avenue near Bradburn Boulevard when she hit the back of the trailer. "Unfortunately... Carissa didn't see him stop," said Westminster Police Investigator Trevor Materasso. "It is concerning that there are no tire skid marks, no sign that she tried to stop before the accident." Police said they're trying to determine whether Thompson was distracted, dealing with sun glare, or if her car, a 1999 Hyundai, malfunctioned. "It was very serious," said businessman Chris Chrisman, who arrived at work just moments after the crash happened. "The front end of her car was completely missing." Investigators said Thompson's car was equipped with airbags and seatbelts. They said the airbags inflated, but they weren't enough to save the teen. Materasso said, "We don't believe she was wearing a seatbelt." The driver of the gravel truck was not injured, but police said he was shaken by the accident. "It was not the truck driver's fault," Materasso said. "There was nothing he could do." Thompson had just completed her junior year at Standley Lake High School. Late Tuesday afternoon, friends of the victim placed flowers and a stuffed bear against a light pole at the intersection where the accident happened. "She was a beautiful girl," said one of the friends between sobs. "She got along with everyone."
Bio from local newspaper.
Bio from local newspaper.
WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- A 17-year old Westminster teen died Tuesday morning after her car slammed into an 18-wheel gravel truck that had stopped at a red light. Police said Carissa Lynn Thompson was eastbound on 120th Avenue near Bradburn Boulevard when she hit the back of the trailer. "Unfortunately... Carissa didn't see him stop," said Westminster Police Investigator Trevor Materasso. "It is concerning that there are no tire skid marks, no sign that she tried to stop before the accident." Police said they're trying to determine whether Thompson was distracted, dealing with sun glare, or if her car, a 1999 Hyundai, malfunctioned. "It was very serious," said businessman Chris Chrisman, who arrived at work just moments after the crash happened. "The front end of her car was completely missing." Investigators said Thompson's car was equipped with airbags and seatbelts. They said the airbags inflated, but they weren't enough to save the teen. Materasso said, "We don't believe she was wearing a seatbelt." The driver of the gravel truck was not injured, but police said he was shaken by the accident. "It was not the truck driver's fault," Materasso said. "There was nothing he could do." Thompson had just completed her junior year at Standley Lake High School. Late Tuesday afternoon, friends of the victim placed flowers and a stuffed bear against a light pole at the intersection where the accident happened. "She was a beautiful girl," said one of the friends between sobs. "She got along with everyone."
Bio from local newspaper.
Bio from local newspaper.
Bio by: Matthew C
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