‘It hurt everybody’s heart’ Loved ones of Cañon City teen killed in crash still reeling from the loss

FREMONT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - A Fremont County family is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old boy who died after getting in a car crash.

Late on Aug. 23, Landen Owens and two other teens were involved in a single-vehicle crash along Poplar Ave., just north of Highway 115 in Cañon City. The two unidentified teens were taken to St. Thomas More Hospital, but Owens had to be airlifted to Memorial Central Hospital in Colorado Springs. He battled life-threatening injuries for four days but ultimately passed away on the morning of Aug. 27.

Valerie Ownes told KRDO her son was funny, outgoing, hard-working, and always had a smile on his face.

"He was such a sweet kid, he was so kind to everyone, and his smile grin would light up a room when he walked into it," said Valerie.

According to Valerie, her son was going to school online while working multiple jobs.

"He was really interested in welding," explained Valerie. "He was very ambitious."

As Owens' family continues to plan his funeral - his friends told KRDO they're struggling to understand why the teen was taken so soon.

"I mean, everyone I know has a story about Landen because he was just so nice to everybody," said Dominick Hamioton, a friend of Owens.

"With it being such a small community he was definitely a big person involved. He had a name for himself," said Dakota Orseo. "I think it hurt everybody's heart."

The fatal crash is still under investigation. Once the case is finished it'll be referred to the district attorney for any possible charges.

Sergeant Troy Kessler, the public relations officer for Colorado State Patrol, said during the crash none of the three teens were wearing a seatbelt - leading to all of them being ejected.

The Owens Family is trying to raise funds to help with the funeral arrangements. To help, click here or here.