‘Tired, heartbroken,’ Family’s memorial for Colorado Springs man killed in crash is missing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Months after Michael Tapia Jr. was killed in a multi-car crash in Colorado Springs, his family is forced to deal with new trauma caused by someone taking a memorial for him.

Crystal Tapia, Michael Jr.'s sister, told KRDO the memorial they set up at the intersection of East Cheyenne Road and Lake Avenue was initially vandalized. Now, it's completely gone.

"We went down there multiple times to find his candles were stolen, his flowers were stolen. This morning his cross was gone," said Crystal. "It's just a constant heartache and it's constant pain."

Michael Jr. died in late October 2022 following a three-car crash.

Colorado Springs Police Investigators believe the fatal accident started with two cars involved in a road rage incident and ended with one of those cars hitting the one Michael and his father were in.

Two other drivers and Michael's father were arrested for his murder after police determined Michael David Tapia Sr. was driving while under the influence.

Michael Jr.'s family is left questioning why someone would go out of their way to destroy his memorial.

"My brother was the sweetest, most caring, helpful person that you could ever meet," said Crystal. "So for somebody to keep ripping our hearts out by doing that, it's just exhausting."

Michael Jr.'s family hopes to get a plot in the Evergreen Cemetery so he can be laid to rest and honored without the threat of vandalism.

Until that can happen, his family said they will continue to honor him at the intersection and hold him in their hearts.

If you'd like to help the Tapia family raise funds for Michael Tapia Jr.'s cemetery plot, you can do so at this fundraiser.