Neighbor recalls hearing the fatal crash in Pueblo West that resulted in the death of a young teen

PUEBLO, COLO. (KRDO)-- According to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, deputies received a call at about 8:16 p.m. Wednesday on a report of a traffic accident on Avenida del oro and West Camino Pablo Drive in Pueblo West. Deputies learned there were two vehicles involved. One of the cars did roll over. Officers said the 17-year-old driver, Christopher Cole Compton, was in the car that rolled over. Compton was ejected and died on scene. According to officers, no other injuries were reported.

Officers told KRDO that speed was a factor, but that is all they know at this time.

"Certainly, we feel for the family and friends as this affects that whole community of Pueblo West and of Pueblo County, for that matter. Any time you lose a young life like this, it's very tragic," said David Lucero, Pueblo County Sheriff.

According to District 70, Christopher Cole Compton was a senior at Pueblo West High School. Thursday, the high school had crisis prevention counselors on campus to help students through this tough time.

Friday, neighbors told KRDO that friends and family held a vigil for the young teen. They put a cross down with his name on it. They also put notes on rocks and laid flowers.

One neighbor, Jannie Sallee, said she has lived in the neighborhood where the accident happened for the last 16 years. Sallee said she heard the crash.

"We were just sitting there watching TV and had the back slider open and just heard the big loud boom," said Sallee.

Sallee said many people in the neighborhood were heartbroken to hear the news.

"A lot of people didn't get any sleep that night. It was just terrible. I felt for the parents, you know when we heard them out here and stuff, and I was sick to my stomach. It just was so sad. He was, you know, from what I understand, 17 and still had a lot of life, said Sallee.

The Pueblo County sheriff's office said this is still an active investigation.