Accident News

In Colorado, Police Release Results Of Fatal Accident Investigation

Traffic accident investigators at the Boulder Police Department have concluded their investigation into the fatal accident that killed 16-year-old Hannah Boemker on Monday, May 1. The investigation included more than 30 interviews, vehicle inspections, data collection and accident reconstruction.  After concluding the technical aspects of the investigation, all information was reviewed by Sgt. Pat Cillo of the Greenwood Village Police Department. Sgt. Cillo is considered an expert in the area of accident reconstruction and has done independent analysis for numerous metro-area agencies investigating accidents involving emergency vehicles. Investigators have made the following conclusions about the accident:

• At the time of the collision, the Pridemark Paramedic ambulance, driven by 27-year-old Kevin Shepard, was driving south bound on 30th Street from Colorado Avenue. The ambulance braked just prior to the collision.  Analysis indicates the ambulance was traveling approximately 41 mph at the time of braking. The ambulance did have its emergency lights and siren activated.  The posted speed limit for the area is 35 mph;
• At the time of the collision, the Honda driven by Boemker was traveling east, turning left from Euclid Avenue onto 30th Street at approximately 16 mph;
• Based on witness information, investigators believe Boemker did come to a complete stop on Euclid Avenue before proceeding into the intersection;
• Much speculation has been made about whether or not Boemker was listening to her iPod at the time of the accident. The investigation can only conclude that an iPod was present in the vehicle at the time of the accident. There is no conclusive evidence one way or the other about the status of the device or the location of the headphones just prior to or at the time the accident occurred;
• The windows on Boemker's vehicle were up at the time of the accident;and
• The size difference between the vehicles and the specific location of impact on each vehicle are likely contributing factors to the fatality of this accident. It appears that both drivers made an attempt to avoid the collision, but corrected in the same direction and were unable to avoid each other's path.

On Tuesday, June 13, investigators met with the District Attorney's Office regarding this case, as is routine in fatal accident cases. It has been concluded that no charges will be filed in this case.

On Wednesday, June 14, officers met with Hannah Boemker's parents to provide them with the conclusions of the investigation. Through this release, Hannah's family would like to thank the community for all the support, caring thoughts, and for respecting their privacy.

Contact our Montana Accident Lawyers if you have ever experienced a personal injury and think others are at fault for the accident.

	Did You Know?
	Speeding-Related Crashes Is Estimated To Be $40.4 Billion Per Year Speeding is one of the most common factors to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2004, speeding was a contributing factor in 30% of all fatal crashes, and 13,192 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes.