Christopher Tafoya Obituary, Death; – The family of a 27-year-old man is urgently seeking answers following his death in a hit-and-run incident that occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 25 in Denver.
Family members have identified the deceased as Christopher Tafoya. Tragically, he was found dead on his birthday. His body was located along the southbound lane of I-25 at West 23rd Avenue at approximately 4:01 a.m., as reported by the Denver Police.
The driver involved in the incident fled the scene and remains unidentified. “We are simply hoping to obtain some answers for him,” stated Himon Robles, Tafoya’s uncle, during an interview with 9NEWS. “This situation was entirely unnecessary.”
Tafoya, affectionately referred to as “Peewee” by family and friends, was remembered as a lively and loving person who valued his family, enjoyed fishing and the mountains, and possessed a profound love for life and God. “He had a beautiful soul. A remarkable individual,” he remarked. “He was brimming with energy, full of life, and had so much more to offer us.”
According to the Denver Police, the victim was walking along the right shoulder of the highway when he was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound. The driver did not stop or render assistance, as mandated by law. Investigators suspect that the vehicle involved may have sustained minor to moderate damage on the passenger side.
Tafoya’s death has left his family heartbroken, who gathered earlier this week for a vigil in his honor. He is survived by a twin sister, a daughter, and numerous other loved ones.
“You never expect someone to go out to celebrate their birthday and not return home,” Robles expressed. “You have taken away a father. You have taken away a son. You have taken away a brother, an uncle, and a cousin.” Robles mentioned that he feels no anger towards the individual responsible, only sorrow.
“I harbor no ill will,” he stated. “My nephew would not have wished for any hatred towards anyone — only justice.” Robles and the rest of Tafoya’s family are demanding accountability from the driver responsible for this tragic incident. They are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact them.
