Procession from DIA to honor Colo. paramedic who died of COVID-19 in NYC
DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- Paul Cary's body is expected to arrive in Denver Sunday night on a plane from New York. First responders will be there to escort him home.
Cary, who died Thursday of COVID-19, was a 66-year-old paramedic and former firefighter from Aurora. He contracted the virus in New York City where he was helping treat coronavirus patients.
Our partners at 9News report that first responders will be waiting to honor Cary with a procession from DIA to a Denver funeral home Sunday.
The procession is expected to leave DIA between 7:30 and 8 p.m. and will escort Cary's body to Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, according to 9News.
The route from DIA:
- South on Pena Boulevard to Interstate 70
- West on I-70 to Interstate 225
- South on I-225 to East Colfax Avenue
- West on Colfax to Ursula Street
- North on Ursula to East 16th Avenue
- West on 16th to Quentin Street
- South on Quentin to Colfax
- East on Colfax to Potomac Street
- South on Potomac past the Medical Center of Aurora
- West on East Jewell Avenue to South Havana Street
- South on Havana, which turns into East Hampden Avenue
- Continue to Olinger Hampen Mortuary at 8600 E. Hampden Ave
The family will hold a private ceremony after the procession, reports KUSA.
Gov. Jared Polis provided the following statement Sunday on Cary's passing:
“Paul Cary served his community, and his country, heroically, and I am incredibly saddened by his passing. During a time of great need, he selflessly volunteered to travel thousands of miles from his home to help others," said Polis in the prepared statement. "He risked his own health and safety, and stepped up to do what he could. This is a difficult time for so many Coloradans, and so many Americans. I can never express just how grateful I am for people like Paul, and all our emergency responders who are on the front lines of this virus. Paul dedicated his life to the service of others, and he will be greatly missed.”
The mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, also honored Cary in an address Friday.
