On Saturday, December 6th, Central High School’s (CHS) boys wrestling team was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision proceeding a tournament in the Lakewood area. The team was competing earlier at Arapahoe High School. The District 51 Activity bus, filled with CHS wrestlers, including a member of the coaching staff, attempted to make a left turn when a vehicle struck them that was speeding, according to the Lakewood Police Department. Lakewood Police also stated that at least one person was ejected and that sixteen people were transported to hospitals. Police stated the suspect driving the other vehicle was arrested last Thursday on multiple charges, including suspicion of vehicular assault, speeding over forty miles over the limit, reckless driving, and child abuse.
In a weekly update publishing, District 51 superintendent Dr. Brian Hill commented, “While this has been a difficult week for our CHS Warriors, and our D51 community as a whole, our hearts have been with the CHS family throughout the week. Moments like this remind us how closely connected we are as a district. We are grateful for the quick response of first responders and for the outpouring of care from our community, and we remain focused on supporting everyone affected in the days and weeks ahead.”
Although the Warriors rival with many schools across the valley, fans, students, and families have come together to show their unwavering support for this time in need. Junior Addison Fox is a wrestler for the District 51 Phoenix girl’s wrestling team, and shared how the tragic event is impacting the wrestling community. Fox states, “I definitely think it’s put some emotional strain on a few individuals that are close with those who were injured.. I feel like it’s made us wrestlers realize how short your season can really be.” Fox also comments, “I have full faith in our coaches and I trust in all of our coaching staff when they’re driving our bus. I think the only thing that could be concerning would just be those other people on the roads.”
The Palisade Paw Post staff is keeping the Central Warrior wrestling team and coaching staff, as well as any affected family members, friends, or students in our thoughts through this difficult time.
(Information found in this article was provided by Denver7 News)
