Victim in fatal West Highland car crash identified as 46-year-old father
COURTESY OF KCNC CBS4
The man killed in Saturday’s fatal car crash in the West Highland neighborhood in Denver has been identified by family as 46-year-old Brad Brubaker.
Brubaker was driving with his young daughter when they were T-boned by a car that was speeding and ran a red light, the Denver Police Department said. Brubaker was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter remains hospitalized but is expected to survive, police said.
A GoFundMe has been set up by friends to cover Brubaker’s funeral expenses and help support his family.
“The victim of this tragedy was an incredible father and a beloved member of the community,” said fundraiser organizer Jennifer Ann. “He could usually be found outside helping his kids catch roly-polies or playing a game of tag or lending a helping hand to his neighbors.”
In a released statement, Brubaker’s family thanked the community, first responders and hospital staff for their support and asked for privacy as the family grieves and heals.
Driver arrested in West Highland crash that killed man, injured child identified
“We are completely heartbroken and devastated about the loss of Brad Brubaker,” the statement read. “Right now, we are focusing all of our energy on Brad’s daughter and her healing.”
Police identified 49-year-old Denver resident Patrick Layden as the suspect in the fatal crash. Layden was arrested for investigation of vehicular homicide and has since been released.
According to a probable cause statement, Layden was driving on West 32nd Avenue at 11:52 a.m., approaching a red light at Lowell Boulevard. While speeding, Layden crossed double yellow lines, passed a car and ran the red light.
In the intersection, Layden T-boned Brubaker’s Subaru as he was going northbound on Lowell Boulevard through a green light.
After the crash, both vehicles ricocheted off each other and hit seven other vehicles parked on West 32nd Avenue, the statement said. However, no one else was hurt.
Man dead, juvenile injured after car was T-boned in Denver’s West Highland neighborhood
Police would not comment on whether intoxication played a role in the crash.
According to public records, Layden was arrested for DUI in 1999 and 2000 in Denver County. In 2000, additional charges from the same incident were dismissed, including for driving without a valid license, stopping in a roadway and DUI per se.
The investigation is ongoing. The Denver District Attorney’s Office will determine the final charges against Layden.
Denver Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, who represents the district where the crash happened, said she’s planning to follow up with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure regarding traffic calming measures in the area.
“An event like this ripples out into the entire community and affects us all,” Sandoval said in a statement. “I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those most impacted and to all those who are mourning.”




