Community lantern release honors lives lost in I-25 tragedy

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Community members in Pueblo, Colorado are invited to gather along the Pueblo Riverwalk on Saturday, February 28th for a lantern release event to honor those impacted by a recent deadly dust storm crash on Interstate 25. Five people were killed and 29 others were injured in the multi-vehicle accident. The remembrance event, hosted by Sangre de Cristo Community Care, will offer comfort and bring the community together in remembrance of the lives lost, recognize those injured, and lift up the first responders who responded to the tragic incident.

Why it matters

The deadly I-25 crash has deeply impacted the Pueblo community, and this lantern release event provides an opportunity for residents to come together, grieve the loss of life, and show support for those affected by the tragedy. Community-led events like this can help the healing process after traumatic events.

The details

The lantern release event will take place at the Riverwalk's AMR Confluence Plaza in Pueblo. Lantern pickup begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by a program at 5:15 p.m. Organizers are asking attendees to hold their lanterns until the coordinated release at 5:45 p.m. The event will honor the five victims killed in the crash - David Kirscht, Scott Kirscht, Karen Ann Marsh, Thomas Thayer and Mary Sue Thayer.

• The lantern release event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
• Lantern pickup begins at 4:30 p.m.
• The program starts at 5:15 p.m.
• The coordinated lantern release is scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

What’s next

The lantern release event on February 28th is intended to be a one-time community gathering to honor the victims and support the Pueblo community in the aftermath of the tragic I-25 crash.