LARIMER COUNTY — Authorities in Larimer County and Canada on Friday night released tentative identities of five adults and two children killed early Thursday when their SUV plunged off an overpass on Interstate 25 in northern Colorado.
The victims were 42-year-old Jacob Rempel Sr. of Vauxhall, Alberta; his wife, 40-year-old Susana Rempel; and their son, 16-year-old Jacob Rempel Jr.
Also killed were Jacob Rempel Sr.’s sister-in-law, 30-year-old Susana Rempel of Willingdon, Alberta; and her two sons, 3-year-old Johan Rempel, and 21-month-old Heinrich Rempel. The other victim was 33-year-old John Dick of Taber, Alberta, a family friend.
Next of kin have been notified, and dental work is being used to confirm the identities of the seven.
All seven were in a 1992 Chevrolet Suburban that veered into the median on I-25 near Johnstown about 4:30 a.m. The vehicle flew off the overpass, traveling about 50 feet before hitting a concrete embankment and bursting into flames, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
Troopers at the scene said it was one of the worst accidents they had ever seen. Weather was not considered a factor in the crash.
Autopsies were conducted on the victims Friday to determine if drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash, said Larimer County chief deputy coroner Debbie Reisdorff.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
