A family reunion trip from Oregon to Colorado ended in heartbreak for the Hughes family after a shuttle bus crash near Denver International Airport (DIA) claimed the life of their beloved grandfather and seriously injured multiple family members. Ian Hughes, who was on board the shuttle with his father, brother, and grandfather, recounted the terrifying moment the vehicle was struck late Saturday night while en route to the rental car center. What was meant to be a joyful visit quickly turned tragic.
The shuttle, carrying eight people including the driver, was violently struck, resulting in Ian’s father and two others being ejected from the vehicle. His grandfather did not survive, and his brother sustained serious injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, with no official conclusions released as of yet.
Ian described the scene as chaos. “My father was bleeding badly but still breathing. It was overwhelming.”
The Hughes family had traveled to Colorado for what was meant to be a sentimental trip—an opportunity for their grandfather to revisit favorite places and share memories with loved ones.
Instead, they were met with tragedy.
“This crash has a lasting effect on everyone,” Ian said. “All it takes is one mistake to end someone’s life. It’s a rude awakening, and I hope it makes people think twice.”
Despite the heartbreak, Ian expressed deep appreciation for the Colorado community and the strangers who rushed to help at the scene.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support,” he said. “The people who helped that night made a difference in our darkest hour.”
As the family mourns the loss of a man they loved dearly, Ian hopes his story will serve as a reminder of how fragile life is—and how quickly it can change.
“Hold your loved ones close,” he said. “Love them deeply, and don’t take a single moment for granted.”
Commerce City Police continue to investigate the collision, as the Hughes family begins the long road to healing, supported by friends, medical staff, and a community that has rallied around them in the wake of unimaginable loss.
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