5th teen dies after SUV collides with semi-truck

PROWERS COUNTY, Colo. — A fifth teenager has died after a crash involving a semi-truck in Prowers County earlier this month. 

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said the two-vehicle crash happened on Highway 287 and Prowers County Road 196 near Wiley on the night of Sept. 8.

Investigators determined that a Ford Explorer, occupied by five teenagers, was headed eastbound on Prowers County Road 196 when the driver ran a stop sign and was hit by the truck that was headed north on Highway 287.

RELATED: Man dies after hit-and-run in Aurora, police say

Four people in the Explorer were killed that night. The victims include:

• 16-year-old male driver died at the scene
• 15-year-old female passenger died at the scene
• 14-year-old male passenger died at the scene
• 16-year-old male passenger died at the hospital

The fifth person in the Explorer, a 15-year-old boy named Braden Black, was flown to a hospital in Colorado Springs. On Sept. 17, his family released a statement through a hospital spokesperson:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts and great sorrow that we share our beloved son, Braden, died today from injuries he suffered in a tragic accident on September 8. We truly appreciate the outpouring of support we have received from our community, friends and even strangers. Please keep all of the families who are suffering from the loss of their children in your thoughts and prayers. Please also pray for our school community.”

Two men were in the semi-truck. The 25-year-old driver was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. A 50-year-old passenger remains in the hospital, according to CSP, who said he was in a sleeper berth at the time of the crash and was seriously hurt.

RELATED: Construction flagger killed in hit-and-run crash identified, suspect arrested

The highway was closed all night and reopened just before 6 a.m. the next day.

The crash involved multiple students from the Wiley School District and according to a Facebook post from the district, they did not hold classes the day after the crash. Instead, teachers and counselors were available at the school library for any students or families to stop by. All activities were also canceled.

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS