Two Loveland Men Killed in Weld County Crash After Police Chase

Authorities identify victims as Jose Meza, 23, and X-avier Cruz, 19, following high-speed pursuit from Loveland to Weld County.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The Weld County Coroner's Office has identified the two Loveland men who were killed in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning following a high-speed chase that began in Loveland and ended in Weld County. The victims were 23-year-old Jose Meza and 19-year-old X-avier Cruz.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the need for law enforcement agencies to carefully weigh the risks to public safety when deciding whether to pursue fleeing vehicles. The crash also raises questions about the circumstances that led to the chase in the first place.

The details

According to authorities, a Larimer County Sheriff's Office deputy began pursuing the vehicle around 4:15 a.m. Sunday because it appeared to be driving without lights or a license plate. The chase continued from Loveland onto Interstate 25 before the vehicle exited and crashed near the intersection of Pheasant Crest Drive and Weld County Road 84. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which struck a power pole, ejecting both Meza and Cruz. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died later at the hospital. A female passenger survived with moderate injuries.

  • The chase began around 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • The crash occurred near the intersection of Pheasant Crest Drive and Weld County Road 84.

The players

Jose Meza

A 23-year-old Loveland resident who was killed in the crash.

X-avier Cruz

A 19-year-old Loveland resident who was also killed in the crash.

Larimer County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit of the vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“This tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the need for law enforcement agencies to carefully weigh the risks to public safety when deciding whether to pursue fleeing vehicles.”

— Kate Kimble, Larimer County Public Information Officer

What’s next

The Weld County Coroner's Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office is reviewing its pursuit policies to determine if any changes are needed.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in high-speed police chases and the need for law enforcement agencies to prioritize public safety when deciding whether to pursue fleeing vehicles. It also highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to improve police pursuit policies and training to minimize the potential for such devastating outcomes.