Pueblo man dies after being ejected from car and struck by hit & run driver on I-25

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Family members have identified the victim in Saturday morning's fatal hit & run crash that happened in Pueblo.

Family told 13 Investigates that 23-year old Stefan Martinez passed away at Parkview Medical Center forty minutes after a crash on Interstate 25.

Police say Martinez struck a guard rail and was ejected from his vehicle before being hit by another unidentified vehicle driving southbound.

Pueblo Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the hit and run driver.

"If they stopped the only charges that could possibly be brought against the individual is if they would've been maybe a driving violation, DUI, or something of that nature. Right now, that bumped it up to a felony hit and run," said Traffic Sgt. Michael Sincerbox with the Pueblo Police Department.

It's unclear if the cause of Stefan's death stems from the first collision or the hit & run soon after. The Pueblo County Coroner is currently conducting an autopsy.

Family of Stefan Martinez told 13 Investigates the 23-year old was extremely driven as he worked two jobs at the time of his death. Stefan's father, John Martinez, says his son was trying to find his way in the world, but he was always there for those he cared for. If people in Stefan's life were down, he wanted to be by their side.

Earlier

Pueblo Police Department (PPD) says one man has died due to his injuries after being ejected from a car early Saturday on southbound I-25.

In a media release, Pueblo police responded to the car accident at around 12:20 a.m. in the 400 block of I-25 southbound in Pueblo.

First responders immediately transported the man to a nearby hospital but later died due to his injuries. The Pueblo County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the driver when it's appropriate.

Based on the preliminary information, Pueblo police say the driver was ejected from the car after hitting a guardrail and a nearby vehicle. After further investigation, police say they believe alcohol may be a contributing factor in the accident.

Pueblo police are seeking additional information or potential witnesses regarding the accident. If you have any information on what led up to the car accident early Saturday, please contact Cpl. Stephen Vaughn at 719-553-3337 or Pueblo Police dispatch at 719-553-2502. You can remain anonymous if you contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-7867.