WELD COUNTY, Colo. — Investigators looking into the weekend crash that killed three recent Eaton High School graduates east of Ault said speed may be a factor, though a definitive cause has yet to be determined.
The latest development in a crash that has shaken the Eaton community came hours after the Weld County Coroner identified the three men as Cash Allen Rinker, 20, of Eaton; Jack David Dirksen, 19, of Eaton; and 19-year-old Cooper Christopher Nider, of Greeley.
Denver7's Tyler Melito went to Eaton following the crash to hear from the community in the video below:
The trio were killed at around 5:18 p.m. Saturday after a Chevrolet Tahoe that was traveling at a high rate of speed going west on Weld County Road 80 went off the road, lost control and rolled several times, ejecting all five occupants inside.
Though speed may be a factor, "it is not determined to be a primary cause of this crash," according to a news release from the Colorado State Patrol.
Besides the loss of life, two others were injured in the crash: A 20-year-old man from Wyoming who was driving at the time, and a fourth passenger only identified as a 19-year-old man from Eaton. Both were hospitalized, with the driver sustaining critical injuries. An update on his condition has not been released.
Over the weekend, a spokesperson with the Eaton School District told Denver7 four of the five students inside the Tahoe were recent Eaton High School graduates.
"Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with the families, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," the district said on social media late Saturday night.
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