In memorium
Teen killed in auto accident
Kristine Woolley
Record Staff Writer
Drugs and alcohol are suspected in the vehicular death of a 17-year-old Florence High School student who was killed Tuesday afternoon in a one-car rollover about 10 miles north of Penrose.
Kelsey Rohrbaugh, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the back seat of the vehicle and died at the scene.
The driver of the 1992 Mitsubishi, 17-year-old Jared Burtard, was transported to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, where he was treated and released Tuesday.
Trooper Richard Breece, CSP community resource officer, said Burtard has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs, and will likely be charged with vehicular homicide.
The front-seat passenger, 18-year-old Toshia James, was taken to St. Thomas More Hospital, where she was treated and released. Both Burtard and James were wearing seatbelts.
Colorado State Patrol troopers gave the following account of the accident:
Burtard was driving approximately 85 miles per hour in a posted 60-mile-per-hour zone and heading northbound on Colo. 115.
He attempted to pass another northbound vehicle, but lost control of the vehicle when he tried to avoid a southbound semi-tractor.
The vehicle spun and skidded off the right ride of the roadway, struck an embankment, rolled one-and-a-half times and landed on its top.
Fremont County coroner Dorothy Twellman said she believes Rohrbaugh died from head injuries. An autopsy was scheduled for today.
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Kelsey Rose Rohrbaugh
Kelsey Rose Rohrbaugh, 17, died April 29, 2003.
She was born Dec. 17, 1985, to Kevin and Darlene (Obermiller) Rohrbaugh, in Colorado Springs. Kelsey was a junior at Florence High School where she was taking medical prep classes to help her achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.
She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. With the help of the High School's Education Progam, Kelsey was working at The Colorado State Veteran's Nursing Home, while studying to become a CNA.
Kelsey loved to read and write stories, and draw cartoon characters including "Sponge Bob Square Pants". She loved to sing, help others, and hang out with her friends.
Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m., Thursday, May 1, at Holt Family Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, May 2, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, with Pastor Robert Kippley officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kelsey Rose Chrysalis of the Rockies Memorial Fund through the funeral home office.
Arrangements were made through Holt Family Funeral Home.
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May you rest in peace, Kels. I love you and I miss you so much. You and all the memories we had together will live in my heart forever. You meant so much to me, I will never forget you, I love you so much. Good bye.
Kristine Woolley
Record Staff Writer
Drugs and alcohol are suspected in the vehicular death of a 17-year-old Florence High School student who was killed Tuesday afternoon in a one-car rollover about 10 miles north of Penrose.
Kelsey Rohrbaugh, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the back seat of the vehicle and died at the scene.
The driver of the 1992 Mitsubishi, 17-year-old Jared Burtard, was transported to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, where he was treated and released Tuesday.
Trooper Richard Breece, CSP community resource officer, said Burtard has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under the influence of drugs, and will likely be charged with vehicular homicide.
The front-seat passenger, 18-year-old Toshia James, was taken to St. Thomas More Hospital, where she was treated and released. Both Burtard and James were wearing seatbelts.
Colorado State Patrol troopers gave the following account of the accident:
Burtard was driving approximately 85 miles per hour in a posted 60-mile-per-hour zone and heading northbound on Colo. 115.
He attempted to pass another northbound vehicle, but lost control of the vehicle when he tried to avoid a southbound semi-tractor.
The vehicle spun and skidded off the right ride of the roadway, struck an embankment, rolled one-and-a-half times and landed on its top.
Fremont County coroner Dorothy Twellman said she believes Rohrbaugh died from head injuries. An autopsy was scheduled for today.
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Kelsey Rose Rohrbaugh
Kelsey Rose Rohrbaugh, 17, died April 29, 2003.
She was born Dec. 17, 1985, to Kevin and Darlene (Obermiller) Rohrbaugh, in Colorado Springs. Kelsey was a junior at Florence High School where she was taking medical prep classes to help her achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.
She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. With the help of the High School's Education Progam, Kelsey was working at The Colorado State Veteran's Nursing Home, while studying to become a CNA.
Kelsey loved to read and write stories, and draw cartoon characters including "Sponge Bob Square Pants". She loved to sing, help others, and hang out with her friends.
Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m., Thursday, May 1, at Holt Family Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, May 2, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, with Pastor Robert Kippley officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kelsey Rose Chrysalis of the Rockies Memorial Fund through the funeral home office.
Arrangements were made through Holt Family Funeral Home.
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May you rest in peace, Kels. I love you and I miss you so much. You and all the memories we had together will live in my heart forever. You meant so much to me, I will never forget you, I love you so much. Good bye.