In the past month, multiple pedestrian-involved crashes in Eaton and Greeley, Colorado, have raised questions about road safety, crosswalks, and driver awareness in Weld County communities.
On the evening of Jan. 5, 2026, a 19-year-old woman was killed while attempting to cross Highway 34 in Greeley. According to the Greeley Police Department on Facebook, the woman was struck first by a Chevrolet Blazer and then again by a Chevrolet Traverse as she tried to cross the highway in a location without a marked crosswalk. First responders transported the woman to North Colorado Medical Center while pursuing life-saving measures. After arriving at the Medical Center, she was pronounced dead. Officers do not expect to file charges against the drivers, but the investigation remains ongoing. The drivers involved in the crash did not sustain any injuries. This crash shows the true dangers and potential consequences of crossing high-speed roads outside of crosswalks.
On Jan. 20, 2026 the Eaton Police Department responded to a crash where a vehicle hit two minors walking East in Eaton on a marked crosswalk on U.S. 85 at Collins Street around 4 p.m. In that incident, Bently Bass was on his way to the local gas station before his wrestling match, when 39 year-old Chad Wiley was headed West and hit Bently along with another minor. The other juvenile that got hit sustained minimal injuries while Bently was not as fortunate. Police confirmed Wiley remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, but now Wiley is faced with charges for careless driving. After being airlifted to a children’s hospital in Aurora to be treated for his injuries, they found a fracture in his skull. Part of Bently’s skull had to be replaced with a plate and doctors recommend that he never play contact sports again. While this crash did not result in death, it serves as a reminder that even marked crosswalks are not immune to danger when drivers are distracted, speeding, or not fully paying attention.
CBS News, the Greeley Tribune, and the Eaton Colorado Police Department are continuing to post updates as more information is released. Across northern Colorado, transportation officials and law enforcement agencies have said that pedestrian safety is a priority. Changes, such as awareness campaigns, are underway to improve crossings near schools and busy roads. Residents and safety advocates urge further action, including improved crosswalk visibility, traffic-calming measures, and public education to reduce pedestrian risks.
