Pueblo West honors Wiley community with ‘Blue Out’ volleyball games

PUEBLO WEST, Colo. (KRDO) -- Wednesday evening, Pueblo West High School is hosting "Blue Out" volleyball games to show support for the Wiley community.

On September 9, four teens from Wiley died in a car crash. According to Colorado State Patrol, five teens were in a Ford Explorer. The driver of the Ford ran a stop sign on Prowers County Road 196 and crashed into a semi-truck traveling on Highway 287.

One teenager survived the crash, 15-year-old Braden Black. He was flown to UCHealth in Colorado Springs, where he underwent brain surgery.

Wednesday, UCHealth shared a message from the Black family, thanking the hospital for helping their son.

We would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt prayers and support for our son, Braden. He is still in critical condition, but he is fighting. We would ask that you please keep the families of his friends in your prayers as they lay their children to rest this week. Please also pray for our small school and community, as we are all heartbroken over this devastating tragedy. 

The Black family

Casey King, the head volleyball coach at Pueblo West High School, decided to dedicate Wednesday's games to the community of Wiley.

People were asked to wear Wiley colors, the gym was decorated, and the Cyclones are raising funds to donate to the families affected by the crash.

King says two of the teens who died were cousins of a PWHS volleyball player. Also, King and their family were close friends with many in the Wiley community.

"My team and I felt the need to do something for families impacted by the tragedy and for the school and community of Wiley," said King.

Wednesday evening, the Pueblo West Cyclones are playing against the Doherty Spartans.

To watch the varsity game, set to begin after the JV game, click here.