DENVER – The semi driver accused of causing a fiery crash on Interstate 70 that killed four people and injured many others spoke publicly for the first time since the deadly crash on April 25.
In a nearly 30-minute Facebook live video, Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos, 23, offered his condolences to the four families impacted by the I-70 crash and thanked supporters for the demonstrations of affection and support they’ve shown over the past several weeks.
“First, I want to give my condolences to the families of the people who passed away in the accident… I am hurt. It’s very hard. Very, very hard,” said Aguilera-Mederos on Facebook.
The suspect, who posted bond over the weekend, was speaking alongside his wife, Nailan Gonzalez, who has been sharing constant updates on Aguilera-Mederos.
In the video, the 23-year-old Cuban national from Texas also thanked God “who performed a miracle so that I could live.”
He went on to thank those people who’ve donated money either to him or to his family, adding he was thankful for their selflessness for donating their lunch money or money that could have been spent on shoes.
“I don’t know how to pay you back for what you’ve done for me. For all the love and support you’ve given me. This is just very, very hard,” Aguilera-Medeors.
The 23-year-old also told the thousands of viewers that were watching that he is seeing a psychologist “because I’m not doing good at all.”
He mentioned that while in jail, he could not sleep and he could not eat, losing more than ten pounds since the deadly crash.
He also apologized for not speaking publicly at an earlier time.
“I asked them (my lawyer and psychologist), as a favor, to allow me to speak to you to thank you for the love and support,” Aguilera-Mederos said. “You can’t imagine what it’s like when one is at rock bottom and you see the love of everyone and how they come together to help. I can’t find the words to express my gratitude.”
Watch the full video below:
Aguilera-Mederos was charged with 36 felonies, including four counts of vehicular homicide for his involvement in the April 25 crash. Prosecutors say he tried to flee the scene of the collision and asked a judge to require the man to wear a GPS monitoring device, but the judge has not scheduled a hearing yet on prosecutors' request for GPS monitoring.
According to the court's original order, Aguilera-Mederos cannot drive commercial vehicles and must remain in Colorado while out on bond.
