Grand Junction Teens Crash: What Investigators Know Now

It's still hard to think about. It’s been about seven weeks since five seventeen-year-old Grand Junction friends were killed when the 2003 Cadillac CTS went down an Orchard Mesa cliffside.

The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary account of what investigators know, giving the public a more detailed look at the vehicle’s path, the road, and conditions that night.

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A New Look at the August Crash That Killed Five Grand Junction Teens

Grand Junction Cliff Crash Kills 5 Teens: What We Know Now — Lookout Lane Incident II Grand Junction Police Department VIa Facebook - 1

The September NTSB report says the vehicle traveled southeast on Lookout Lane (toward the ledge) at about 11:57 p.m. on August 8, when it failed to navigate a leftward curve, left the roadway, and rolled down the embankment and over the cliff. The street has a 20 mph speed limit, several curves, and a downhill slope just off the shoulder. These findings are preliminary, and all aspects of the crash remain under investigation.

Grand Junction Held a Larger Memorial for the Five Friends

Our hearts go out to the families of Braden Taylor, Titus Gould, Tristan Tucker, Tyler Kersey-Huffman, and William Simms. The teens were remembered on September 9, when friends and family filled the Las Colonias Amphitheater to host a celebration of their lives. The event included photos and stories about each young man.

What Happened to the Memorial at the Crash Site?

What We Know Now About the Grand Junction Teens Crash — TSM GJ W Jordan

The original memorial at Lookout Lane could not stay on the private property near the crash site. Lutheran Church Charities brought the memorial hearts and crosses to the Las Colonias memorial, where each young man was honored with a heart, cross, banner, and a space for messages from attendees. Find more information about supporting each of the families here:

Titus Gould: https://account.venmo.com/u/larisagoulddonation
Tyler Kersey-Huffman: https://gofund.me/7aa0062b6
William Simms: https://gofund.me/9aca8f7fa
Braden Taylor: https://gofund.me/4c6239301
Tristan Tucker: https://gofund.me/d4820cf6a

LOOK: Colorado's Best Grand Junction Schools, Ranked by Niche

Finding the right school isn't always easy, especially with the many options in Grand Junction. Every year, Niche.com analyzes thousands of schools across Colorado, combining state and federal education data with reviews from students and parents to identify top performers. Keep scrolling to see Grand Junction’s top ten according to Niche.com.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

COLORADO'S FIRST FREEZE: When Will It Hit Your Backyard?

Fall can feel a long way off when Western Colorado is still dealing with summer heat, but the first frost has a way of sneaking up on us. The National Weather Service’s historical averages show just how different the timing can be from one community to the next.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: Grand Junction’s 5 Worst Intersections Might Surprise You

New data shows five major intersections across the city recorded more than 100 crashes each between 2018 and 2024. The numbers are sparking fresh conversations about congestion, growth, and whether parts of Grand Junction’s road system are keeping up with rising traffic volumes. Crash data from the Mesa County Safety Action Plan (2018 and 2024).

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams