Loveland, CO (December 16, 2025) – Authorities have identified the seventeen-month-old child who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 in Loveland as Elijah Manley.
Incident Details: On December 16, around 12:30 p.m., a multi-vehicle crash occurred in Loveland on northbound Interstate 25 near the Crossroads Boulevard exit.
Initial reports indicated that a box truck was traveling in the center lane of the Interstate. Three other vehicles were traveling in the right lane when the box truck driver went into the right lane. The box truck hit an SUV and pushed it into two other vehicles.
The box truck driver was identified as 35-year-old Jose Salazar. Colorado State Patrol on the scene suspected Salazar was under the influence of marijuana. Salazar reportedly admitted to smoking marijuana that morning, and troopers reported that he did not pass the voluntary roadside tests. His eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot, and a trooper found a marijuana pipe inside a metal water bottle in Salazar’s truck. Investigators believe he placed the pipe inside the water bottle to conceal evidence.
While on the scene, Salazar also stated that the crash was his fault and admitted to reaching down for his cell phone in the truck.
Salazar was arrested on multiple felony charges, including child abuse resulting in death and vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. According to the arrest document, Salazar dropped his phone and was reaching down to retrieve it when his truck veered into the right lane. Salazar attempted to brake quickly but ended up hitting the SUV and pushing it into two other passenger vehicles.
Seventeen-month-old Elijah Manley was a passenger in the SUV and was pronounced dead on the scene. The other passengers in the SUV, two adults and another child, were transported to a hospital with undisclosed injuries. No one else in the other three vehicles was injured.
The arrest document indicates that Salazar has one prior DUI conviction out of Texas.
Investigation: The Colorado State Patrol is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the multi-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 25 near the Crossroads Boulevard exit that resulted in the death of seventeen-month-old Elijah Manley. Key aspects of the investigation will likely include:
- Crash reconstruction: Troopers will analyze vehicle damage, debris patterns, lane positions, and impact points to determine how the box truck entered the right lane and triggered the chain-reaction collision.
- Driver impairment evaluation: Investigators are examining evidence of suspected marijuana impairment, including Salazar’s roadside test performance, physical indicators observed by troopers, and statements admitting marijuana use earlier that day.
- Distracted driving evidence: Authorities will review Salazar’s admission that he dropped and reached for his cell phone, as well as any available phone records, to confirm distraction at the time of the crash.
- Physical and forensic evidence: Troopers will document and analyze items recovered from the box truck, including the marijuana pipe, and assess whether evidence was intentionally concealed.
- Event data and vehicle systems: Investigators may review any available vehicle data, braking activity, and speed information from the box truck to evaluate Salazar’s actions in the moments leading up to impact.
- Injury and fatality analysis: Authorities will compile medical and coroner findings to establish the cause of death and the extent of injuries to other occupants involved.
Investigators will consider the driver’s admissions alongside physical evidence, vehicle data, and forensic findings to independently confirm what occurred and establish a clear, supportable timeline of the crash.
Legal Considerations: This crash raises serious criminal and civil liability issues. The box truck driver’s alleged impaired and distracted driving, combined with a prior DUI conviction, significantly heightens the legal exposure. Felony charges such as vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and child abuse resulting in death reflect the severity of the conduct alleged and may result in substantial prison time if proven.
From a civil standpoint, the family of Elijah Manley may have grounds for a wrongful death claim against Salazar. Potential other responsible parties may include the trucking company if the operation of the box truck was in the course of work. Such claims may seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and the profound emotional loss caused by the death of a child.
The other injured survivors may also pursue personal injury claims for their own medical care, trauma, and long-term needs.
The loss of a seventeen-month-old child is unimaginable. Our deepest condolences go out to Elijah Manley’s family and loved ones as they endure this devastating tragedy.
Source: Coloradoan