Colorado Man Killed on I-25 While Trying to Help After Crash

Family mourns the loss of 30-year-old Chris Serna, who was struck by a vehicle while assisting others at the scene.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass from a car windshield, capturing the harsh, gritty aftermath of a highway collision that resulted in a tragic loss of life.The aftermath of a tragic highway collision that claimed the life of a Good Samaritan highlights the dangers first responders and bystanders face on the road.Thornton Today

A 30-year-old man from Thornton, Colorado named Chris Serna was killed on Interstate 25 after he got out of an Uber he was riding in to help others at the scene of a previous crash. Serna was struck by a Mercedes-Benz driven by a 27-year-old woman, who also hit the driver of another vehicle that had been involved in the initial crash. Serna's sister Iris described him as a kind and helpful person who was always there for his family.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that can arise when people try to assist at the scene of a highway accident. First responders warn that it is often safer for those involved in crashes to remain in their vehicles and provide location information to 911 rather than attempting to get out and help, as vehicles on the highway may not be able to see or react in time to avoid additional collisions.

The details

According to Colorado State Patrol, the initial crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. when a Chevrolet Trax hit the Mitsubishi that Serna was riding in as an Uber passenger. Serna then got out of the vehicle to try and help the occupants of the Trax, but was soon after struck by a 2020 Mercedes-Benz driven by a 27-year-old woman. The impact killed Serna and seriously injured the driver of the Trax. The driver of the Mercedes suffered minor injuries, while the Uber driver Serna was riding with was unharmed.

  • The initial crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. on Saturday morning.
  • Serna was killed in the secondary collision shortly after getting out of the Uber vehicle.

The players

Chris Serna

A 30-year-old man from Thornton, Colorado who was killed while trying to assist others at the scene of a crash on Interstate 25.

Iris Cerna

The sister of Chris Serna, who described him as a kind and helpful person who was always there for his family.

Colorado State Patrol

The law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and provided details about the sequence of events.

Jason Kalahar

An Adams County firefighter/paramedic who warned about the dangers of people getting out of their vehicles at the scene of a highway accident.

27-year-old woman

The driver of the Mercedes-Benz that struck and killed Chris Serna and seriously injured the driver of another vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“It just hurts that he texted my little brother, 'Open the door,' 10 minutes before this incident happened, and my brother's no longer with us.”

— Iris Cerna, Sister of Chris Serna

“My brother, you could tell him anything and be mad at him, and the next day he would come and ask you, 'Did you eat? Are you OK?'”

— Iris Cerna, Sister of Chris Serna

“The most dangerous call for a firefighter is a highway call.”

— Jason Kalahar, Adams County Firefighter/Paramedic

“Highway incidents, especially in the middle of the night, are exponentially more dangerous. A person walking around on the highway is virtually invisible to everybody until you're right up on them, and there's no time to react in that scenario.”

— Jason Kalahar, Adams County Firefighter/Paramedic

What’s next

The Colorado State Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash and will work to determine if any charges will be filed against the driver of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved when people attempt to assist at the scene of a highway accident. First responders strongly advise those involved in crashes to remain in their vehicles and provide their location to 911, rather than trying to get out and help, in order to avoid becoming victims themselves.