Brighton man charged with vehicular homicide in DUI crash on I-76 that killed his daughter

Aaron Aguirre-Garay denied field sobriety and blood alcohol tests after the fatal crash

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:24pm

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A 40-year-old Brighton man has been charged with vehicular homicide and child abuse resulting in death after a DUI crash on Interstate 76 in Commerce City that killed his young daughter. Witnesses reported seeing Aguirre-Garay's truck swerving and driving on the shoulder before crashing into a fence, and he told police he had been drinking earlier that day.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving, especially when children are involved. It raises questions about Colorado's DUI laws and enforcement, as well as the need for greater public awareness and education around the dangers of impaired driving.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, multiple witnesses saw Aguirre-Garay's truck swerving and driving on the dirt shoulder of I-76 before it veered into a fence. One witness said the truck had swerved several times before the crash. After the crash, a witness who approached the vehicle said Aguirre-Garay smelled of alcohol. When interviewed by police, Aguirre-Garay slurred his speech, smelled of alcohol, and told officers he didn't know what happened, claiming someone may have rear-ended his truck. He admitted to drinking earlier that day but gave varying accounts of how much, ranging from two to four beers. Aguirre-Garay refused both a field sobriety test and a blood alcohol test.

  • The crash occurred on February 12, 2026.
  • Aguirre-Garay will appear for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on March 9, 2026 in Adams County District Court.

The players

Aaron Aguirre-Garay

A 40-year-old Brighton man who has been charged with vehicular homicide and child abuse resulting in death in the DUI crash that killed his daughter.

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What they’re saying

“Aguirre-Garay told police he had been drinking earlier that day but didn't clarify exactly how many alcoholic beverages he consumed, with his answers ranging from two to four cans of beer.”

— Aaron Aguirre-Garay

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 9 whether to allow Aguirre-Garay to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of drunk driving, especially when children are involved. It raises urgent questions about Colorado's DUI laws and enforcement, as well as the need for greater public awareness and education to prevent such senseless loss of life.