Arvada – The parents of a teenager who died in a car crash over the weekend said Tuesday they no longer believe alcohol was involved.
Mark Livesay, the father of one of two Pomona High School sophomores who died Saturday, said most likely the driver was showing off at high speeds.
“I initially came to the conclusion alcohol was involved,” Livesay said. “But I can’t believe they would get into the car with someone who was drinking.”
Alex Livesay and Chayce Miller, both 16, were passengers in Gregory Ullrich’s car Saturday night when the Honda hatchback crashed into a utility pole at Wadsworth Boulevard and West 92nd Avenue.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office said Tuesday both boys died from head injuries.
Livesay’s funeral will be Saturday at the Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, 7400 W. 80th Ave.
The Miller family declined to comment.
Ullrich, 24, remained in serious condition Tuesday at St. Anthony Central Hospital, according to a nursing supervisor.
Livesay said he’s heard from many people that there was no alcohol in the car or at the house where the three hung out earlier that night.
A friend who witnessed the accident held Ullrich’s hand at the scene, and she didn’t smell alcohol on his breath, Livesay said. She did see the car traveling too fast to make the turn.
Westminster police continue their investigation into the accident but released no new details Tuesday. They have said previously they are investigating alcohol as a possible factor.
Livesay wouldn’t address what consequences might be appropriate for Ullrich, who has been arrested twice on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
“I want to give the kid every benefit of the doubt,” he said.
Alex’s sister, Lakota, printed shirts in his memory, with a quote she saw posted on the utility pole: “Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.”
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson contributed to this report.
Staff writer Julianne Bentley can be reached at jbentley@denverpost.com.
