On Friday, April 16, 2021, at approximately 9:43 A.M., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) was notified of a two-car crash at the intersection of Powers Boulevard and Aeroplaza Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered one of the drivers was trapped inside their vehicle. Members from the Colorado Springs Fire were able to extract the trapped individual, who was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Two other vehicle occupants were also transported for injuries.
The investigation revealed a Pontiac Aztec was attempting an unprotected left turn from southbound Powers Boulevard onto eastbound Aeroplaza Drive when it was struck by a Toyota Celica, which was northbound on Powers Boulevard. The driver of the Aztec, 63-year-old Thomas Hearn of Colorado Springs, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. His front-seat passenger, 41-year-old Jeremiah R. Stephens of Colorado Springs, subsequently died on April 17th from the injuries he suffered in this crash. After receiving treatment for his injuries and being processed for DUI, Mr. Hearn was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Jail on the charges of Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, DUI, and Careless Driving. The investigation is continuing.
Mr. Stephens is the 11th traffic-related fatality in Colorado Springs in 2021. At this time in 2020, there were five traffic-related deaths in the city.