Colorado DUI Accident Claims Life of 10-Year-Old Boy

A tragic car accident in Colorado recently left a 10-year-old boy dead and his mother behind bars, facing vehicular homicide, DUI and other charges.

Gavin Cecil died in a single-car accident on Interstate 76 in Brighton in June, CBS4 reports. His mother, Karena Cecil, appeared in court three days later, facing a slew of charges after police say they believe she was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

“He was just a loving, caring kid,” Anthony Lontine, who described himself as Karena Cecli’s boyfriend and said he considered himself a father figure to Gavin, told CBS4. “No matter who you are, he was going to go up to you and have a heartwarming conversation with you.”

Police say Karena Cecil was driving east on I-76 when she lost control of the vehicle and drifted into a median. The car rolled over and into the westbound lanes of traffic. An adult man and Cecil’s other child were also in the car at the time and reportedly suffered minor injuries.

Investigators said they believe alcohol and speed were factors in the crash. Karena Cecil has a “lengthy arrest record,” according to CBS4, including at least two prior DUI convictions. In one of those cases, she was also charged with second-degree kidnapping and DUI “with excessive alcohol,” CBS4 reports.

As a result of the tragic accident, Cecil is now charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, careless driving, child abuse, driving without a license, habitual traffic offender and no proof of insurance.

Injured in a Crash? A Denver Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Accidents like the one that killed Gavin Cecil are not only tragic but also far too common and 100% preventable. These collisions often occur because of one single reason: the reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated.

People who are injured in car accidents in Colorado have the right to seek compensation from those responsible, whether it is a negligent driver, a defective vehicle manufacturer or another party. In the tragic event that a person dies in a crash, his or her loved ones have the right to sue for wrongful death.

There is simply no amount of money that will allow you to go back in time and stop an accident from happening. The money damages available in these cases can, however, ease the financial burden that often comes with a car accident. A lawsuit can also help ensure that those responsible for an accident are made fully accountable for their actions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash in Colorado, a Denver car accident lawyer at Levine Law can help. Our attorneys combine decades of experience helping people injured in accidents get the money they deserve.

Our firm is pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver car accident lawyer.