Colorado newlyweds killed by 500lb tubes as they were honeymoon-bound
A newlywed couple en route to their honeymoon, along with the bride's mother, tragically died in a catastrophic traffic accident on Thursday, August 15. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM on Interstate 70 in Wheat Ridge, just outside Denver, as reported by Wheat Ridge police.
According to reports, Ruben Rodriguez and Juliana Rodriguez-Plata were traveling with their one-year-old son and Juliana’s parents when a semi-truck carrying large pipes, each weighing approximately 500 pounds, overturned. The truck's load spilled across both eastbound and westbound lanes, resulting in multiple collisions involving at least three vehicles.
Wheat Ridge police stated, "The car was struck and crashed, resulting in three fatalities. Two other people in that car were transported to a local hospital. The truck driver was also taken to a local hospital."
The victims have been identified as Ruben Rodriguez, Juliana Rodriguez-Plata, and Juliana’s mother, Luz Melba Martinez, who was visiting from Colombia. The bride’s father, Carlos Joaquin Plata, and their son, Danny, were injured in the crash.
Carlos Plata recounted the harrowing experience to KDVR: “I saw when the pipes were going so I just closed my eyes and no reaction, I just felt the impact and I woke up out of nowhere and just saw the baby crying and everyone unconscious, not waking up." He added, "It was terrible, the accident, the image, all the blood. They were just instantly dead. Seeing my whole family, my daughter, and my wife, dead."
The Rodriguez-Plata family was traveling to the mountains for a honeymoon vacation when the tragedy struck, Janell Rodriguez, Ruben’s sister-in-law, told Denver 7. She expressed the family's struggle to comprehend the loss: “And then the baby without both of his parents, you know? It’s hard. It’s hard for the family. So we’re just gathered here right now just trying to be strong together.”
In response to the tragedy, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and support the orphaned child. The campaign description reads, “We are heartbroken to share that Ruben Rodriguez, Juliana Rodriguez Plata, and Luz Melba Martinez were tragically taken from us in an accident. Ruben and Juliana had just begun their beautiful journey together, having celebrated their wedding this past Saturday.
They leave behind their precious 1-year-old son, Daniel.” It further notes, “Luz Melba Martinez and Juliana’s father, Carlos, were here from Colombia to celebrate the wedding. Now, Carlos is faced with the unimaginable pain of losing both his daughter and wife in such a short span of time.”
As of now, the GoFundMe has raised $33,942 of the $95,000 goal.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department has reported that at least seven vehicles, including the semi-truck, were involved in the collisions. They are collaborating with prosecutors on potential charges related to the accident. Due to the extensive debris field—spanning more than two football fields—the investigation is expected to take several weeks.
“Our hearts go out to the families that have been impacted by the tragic loss of life yesterday,” stated the police.
