Couple killed in head-on crash in northeastern Colorado

GREELEY, Colo. – This weekend, a Greeley family will bring peace to their parents after authorities say a teenage driver hit them head-on. The accident occurred Sept. 15 on Highway 34 near Wiggins.

Family members identified the two victims as Sandy and Floyd O'Dowd, a well-known couple from Fleming, CO. They operated a mobile tattoo shop that often visited the Greeley area.

Floyd was 80 years old. His children described him as a caring and kind storyteller.

“Mom was pretty quiet in comparison,” said Ezekiel Lira, Sandy and Floyd’s son. “She lived for her children and that was always evident in all her actions.”

Lira valued time with his parents and siblings. While four children grew up in the house, the O'Dowd family had many select children.

“It was basically an open door policy and once you're in, you're family. I think the number was 65 or 66.” [siblings]“Lira estimated. “They just never said, 'Well, this is your stepsister, your stepbrother, your half-sister.' It was just brother and sister because they were always just mom and dad.”

Lira described his childhood as adventurous. They often went on spontaneous road trips to camp and explore the country. In a life full of unpredictability, Lira could never have imagined what was in store for her.

“It came out of nowhere,” he explained.

On Sept. 15, the O'Dowds were driving along Highway 34 when the Colorado State Patrol said a car driven by an 18-year-old collided head-on with them.

Officers believe the teen driver was trying to pass a group of cars when he changed lanes.

The O'Dowd's died at the scene of the accident. Her daughter, Angel O'Dowd, survived.

“I was sleeping when the accident happened,” she remembers. “I thought I was still dreaming because I took a nap and thought, 'Okay, that was a dream,' and then when I woke up and was in the hospital, I thought, 'Okay, maybe it's not me .' ”

Angel O'Dowd was seriously injured, but she wasn't the only one. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a third car was also involved. This car crashed after the first incident. Four people inside were injured and taken to hospital.

This family hopes to speak with them one day.

“Best wishes and get in touch if you want,” Lira said to those in the third car. “We wish you all the best for your recovery. If you knew my parents or had the opportunity to meet them, they probably would have become your family too.”

The Colorado State Patrol said the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. The family hopes someone will be held responsible.

“We want justice for our family,” Fantasia Lira said. The O'Dowds were also her parents. “We want justice for the other family that is going through what she is going through and we want justice for our little sister.”

The O'Dowd family has launched a fundraising campaign to cover medical and funeral costs.