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Driver arrested in I-76 rollover crash that killed 10-year-old

Karena Cecil, 27, was being held on suspicion of vehicular homicide and DUI, Brighton Police said.

BRIGHTON, Colo. — The Brighton Police Department (BPD) on Sunday identified the suspect in a rollover crash the night before on Interstate 76 that resulted in the death of a 10-year-old boy.

Karena Cecil, 27, of Brighton, was being held in the Adams County jail on suspicion of:

  • Vehicular homicide
  • Careless driving causing injury
  • Child abuse (two counts)
  • Revoked driving status
  • DUI
  • No proof of insurance 

Cecil was the mother of the child who died in the crash Saturday night, Brighton Police said. Alcohol and speed were being investigated as a factor in the crash.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.

Credit: Brighton Police Department
Karena Cecil

A criminal records search shows Cecil has two prior convictions on alcohol-related traffic convictions in Colorado, in 2017 and 2019. 

According to the Brighton Police Department (BPD), officers were called about 7:20 p.m. to the scene of a rollover crash on I-76 at Bromley Lane.

Their investigation showed that a white sedan was heading east on I-76 when the driver lost control, causing the car to go into the shoulder of the interstate, police said. It then rolled and ended up in the westbound lanes, police said.

All four people in the car were hurt, BPD said. One of them, a 10-year-old, later died at a hospital. BPD had previously said the child was 11 years old.

Credit: Lontine Family
Gavin Cecil (left) in an undated photo from his family.

"The Brighton Police Department extends our condolences to the child’s family and everyone affected by this preventable tragedy," BPD said in a statement. "We again remind and ask the community not to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs."

The interstate was closed for a while in both directions between Bromley Lane and Eagle Boulevard. It has since reopened.

Anyone with information about the crash can contact BPD at 303-288-1535.

Credit: Sky9

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