The Jefferson County community is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Michael and Debbie Carman, a beloved couple whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating wrong-way collision on Highway 285 last month. The fatal crash occurred on July 21, 2025, near the Highway 8 interchange, west of C-470, and has left friends, family, and neighbors reeling from the loss of two people described as warm, kind, and inseparable.
Authorities say the crash was caused by the driver of an Acura RL traveling in the wrong direction in the northbound lanes of Highway 285. That driver, now identified as Michael Colson, 33, allegedly collided with multiple vehicles before striking the Carmans’ car. According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Colson first hit another vehicle, whose driver was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Moments later, he struck the Carmans’ vehicle head-on, resulting in their immediate deaths.
The incident involved a total of five individuals across three vehicles. Colson was transported from the scene with life-threatening injuries. Following an investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and CSP, Colson was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular homicide due to reckless driving, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and driving against the flow of traffic on a divided highway.
Michael and Debbie Carman’s loved ones remember them as a devoted couple whose relationship was built on deep respect, unwavering love, and shared joy in life’s simple pleasures. They were known for their generosity, strong family values, and the way they made others feel welcome. Friends describe them as the type of people who would give without expecting anything in return, whose laughter and kindness were as constant as the Colorado sunshine they loved to enjoy.
Their sudden passing has left an irreplaceable gap in the lives of those who knew them best. Neighbors have spoken of the Carmans’ willingness to help others at a moment’s notice, while relatives recall countless happy memories, family gatherings, and quiet moments that now hold even greater meaning.
The tragedy has also renewed local conversations about road safety, impaired driving, and the dangers of wrong-way collisions. For those mourning the Carmans, justice for their loss is important, but so is remembering and honoring the fullness of their lives—not just the heartbreaking way they ended.
As their community gathers to grieve, celebrate their memory, and support one another, Michael and Debbie Carman will be remembered as a shining example of love, partnership, and kindness. Their legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know them, and their absence will be deeply felt for years to come.
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