The founder of a local water-polo club was identified Monday as the victim of a wrong-way driver in a Sunday night crash on E-470.
The wrong-way driver of a Ford Taurus, Odean Wheetley, 89, of Aurora also was killed in the crash about 8:20 p.m. Sunday.
Grier Laughlin, 37, of Aurora was killed when Wheetley drove southbound in the northbound lanes of the divided highway, colliding head-on with Laughlin’s Chevrolet Yukon sport utility vehicle.
Both drivers were wearing their seat belts.
Laughlin’s three children — 4-year-old twins and a 6-year-old daughter — who were in the Yukon at the time of the accident were taken to Children’s Hospital in Aurora with minor injuries, said Colorado State Patrol Trooper Nate Reid.
Laughlin was driving the family to pick up his wife, Karen, from Denver International Airport, family friend Mark Isenburg said.
In 2003, Laughlin founded and served as head coach for Colorado Water Polo, a club designed to introduce kids to the sport while developing elite players. Laughlin volunteered his time, coaching several teams in the Denver area.
Isenburg, the club’s assistant head coach, said Laughlin was a dedicated coach and a loving father.
“He wasn’t a big hugger, but he’d love to joke with you,” Isenburg said. “I’ve spoken to several players and parents who have just been in tears.”
Laughlin started the league eight years ago with only eight eager players, Isenburg said. There were several times when Laughlin gave players a break on dues.
This week’s practice schedule was canceled.
“He was always helping people, but he never bragged about it,” Isenburg said.
Laughlin attended Cherry Creek High School, where he was an 11-time All-American swimmer. He was also captain of the swim team at Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1996, according to a statement from a family spokesman.
In 2005 Laughlin founded and served as president of Quintus Financial Services, which offers financial planning, consulting and investment advice. The company is based in Englewood and manages about 150 clients nationwide.
It is still unclear why Wheetley was traveling in the wrong direction, State Patrol spokesman Reid said. A medical condition and fog are being investigated as possible factors in the crash. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
