Thornton Teen Killed in Hit-and-Run Minibike Crash

Grieving father calls for more regulation and safety awareness around motorized bikes for youth

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

A 14-year-old boy named Jayden Marrujo was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding his motorized minibike in Thornton, Colorado. His father, Jarrod Marrujo, is now speaking out to warn other parents about the dangers of children riding these types of vehicles on public roads and is calling for more regulation and safety education.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks associated with youth operating high-powered motorized bikes on public roads, which can be just as dangerous as full-sized motorcycles. It raises questions about the need for age restrictions, licensing requirements, and other safety measures to protect young riders and pedestrians.

The details

Jayden Marrujo was riding his gas-powered minibike on the shoulder of the road in Thornton when he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The driver, 23-year-old Jeremy Nobles, was later arrested and charged with careless driving causing death and failure to remain at the scene. Jayden's father, Jarrod Marrujo, is now urging other parents to be more aware of the risks and to ensure their children are riding safely.

  • On Saturday night, Jayden Marrujo was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.
  • Nearly 24 hours later, Jarrod Marrujo found out about his son's death.
  • On the weekend following the incident, 23-year-old Jeremy Nobles was arrested and charged.

The players

Jarrod Marrujo

The father of 14-year-old Jayden Marrujo, who was killed in the hit-and-run crash. He is now speaking out to warn other parents about the dangers of children riding motorized minibikes.

Jayden Marrujo

A 14-year-old boy who was struck and killed while riding his motorized minibike in Thornton, Colorado.

Jeremy Nobles

A 23-year-old man who was arrested and charged with careless driving causing death and failure to remain at the scene of the crash that killed Jayden Marrujo.

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What they’re saying

“Out of anyone, I didn't think anything would happen to him. He was just always a good kid and had so much love from everybody. I wish I could've told my son I love him and I wish I could've had just one more conversation with him.”

— Jarrod Marrujo, Jayden's father (CBS News)

“I know that there's potential that accidents can happen with minors on minibikes on the road, but if something like that was to happen, you should pull over and help the best you can.”

— Jarrod Marrujo, Jayden's father (CBS News)

“I just feel like the more youth that are on the road right now riding these minibikes, we just need to spread more awareness to the parents and the risk that come with it, and teaching our kids to just be a little more safer and alert when they are riding them.”

— Jarrod Marrujo, Jayden's father (CBS News)

What’s next

The suspect, Jeremy Nobles, is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face charges related to the fatal hit-and-run crash.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater regulation and safety measures around the use of motorized minibikes, especially by young riders. It serves as a sobering reminder for parents to educate their children on the risks and ensure they are riding responsibly on public roads.