Aurora, CO (May 23, 2025) – A tragic sequence of events unfolded late Wednesday night when a pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by an Adams County coroner investigator en route to a separate fatal incident. The collision occurred around 10:52 p.m. at the intersection of East Colfax Ave and Scranton St, in northwest Aurora.
According to authorities, the investigator was responding to the scene of a shooting that had already claimed one life and seriously injured a teen in the 3100 block of Ursula St, located roughly three miles from the site of the crash. While traveling to that scene, the coroner’s vehicle struck a man who was reportedly crossing Colfax outside of a designated crosswalk.
Aurora police officers arrived quickly and rendered aid to the pedestrian before paramedics took over. Despite their efforts, the unidentified man later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His name will be released by the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner once the next of kin are notified.
The investigation into the crash remains active. Authorities have not announced any charges, and they continue to review the circumstances surrounding both the shooting and the pedestrian strike.
Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we recognize the heavy toll this incident has taken on all involved.
Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado
Pedestrian safety continues to be a significant concern in Colorado, particularly in urban corridors like East Colfax Ave, where high traffic volumes and limited crosswalk visibility create elevated risks. The tragic incident on Wednesday night underscores how dangerous conditions can become when individuals cross busy streets outside marked crosswalks—especially after dark.
East Colfax is known as one of Aurora’s most heavily trafficked roadways, and it’s frequently cited in pedestrian safety reports for its accident history. This tragedy adds to a troubling trend of fatalities on Denver metro roadways and reflects the need for renewed focus on both pedestrian behavior and driver vigilance.
The emotional impact of a pedestrian fatality is compounded when emergency personnel—whose duty is to respond to other crises—become involved in separate, unintended tragedies. Situations like this also highlight the intense pressures emergency responders face, especially when simultaneously managing life-and-death events across the city.
Pedestrian safety improvements such as better lighting, additional signage, enhanced crosswalk placement, and increased public awareness are among the many tools cities like Aurora can implement to reduce fatal incidents. Furthermore, every roadway user—whether behind the wheel or on foot—shares the responsibility of exercising caution and respecting traffic laws.
Families impacted by pedestrian crashes often endure deep emotional loss along with logistical and financial hardships. It is critical they receive access to the necessary support systems, including grief counseling, legal guidance, and victim advocacy.
If you’ve lost someone or been injured in a pedestrian accident, Local Accident Reports is here to provide immediate, compassionate assistance. Our mission is to help families and survivors access the information and professional support they need to heal and recover. Contact us today to learn how we can be of service in your time of need.