EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — Airman Staff Sgt. Kaitlyn Denardo was tragically killed in a rollover crash Sept. 19 on Interstate 25 in Colorado Springs.
The 23-year-old woman was in the northbound lanes of I-25 when she hit the guard rail and lost control of the vehicle at the Interquest Parkway exit, just north of the U.S. Air Force Academy Airfield.
Officials with the Colorado State Patrol said her vehicle overturned and she was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Denardo served in the 10th Surgical Operations Squadron and 10th Medical Group as the noncommissioned officer in charge of surgical supply, according to a news release from Col. Christopher Leonard, 10th Air Base Wing Commander. Local news outlets reported that she received many medals and awards for her service.
“The academy is heartbroken and in shock with the tragic loss of one of our own,” Leonard wrote in the release. Our thoughts are with Sgt. Denardo’s family and team members during this incredibly difficult time.”
No additional information about factors that may have contributed to the crash were immediately available.
COMMENTARY ON ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS
What a terrible loss of a young woman who has achieved and contributed so much during her 23 years of life. I’m deeply saddened to hear that a person with such potential lost their life in yet another rollover crash.
Fatal rollovers have been disturbingly common during the last three decades, despite design engineering studies and crash data that have established the guidelines necessary to ensure safety standards.
Our firm has represented hundreds of rollover cases nationwide involving cars, trucks, and SUV’s during this time. Some automakers openly disregard their own safety engineering reports in favor of higher profits, even though the modifications needed to double or even triple the strength of the vehicle’s roof to maintain structural integrity during a rollover are minimal—less than $20 per vehicle for some makes and models. It is a mockery of justice for automakers to get away with substandard safety features and engineering when research has verified the standards that should be met.
It is not clear from this report what caused Kaitlyn to hit the guard rail and lose control of her vehicle. A thorough investigation is needed to determine whether mechanical failure, tire failure, road conditions, or human error contributed to this heartbreaking event. I pray for comfort for the family of this young patriot during this time of grief.
MEET ROB AMMONS
For more than 30 years Rob Ammons has concentrated his practice on tire and automotive defect claims, representing clients against tire manufacturers, automakers, tire retailers, and tire service centers. Mr. Ammons’ success against Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Cooper Tire, Goodyear, Dunlop, Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental/General Tire, Kumho Tire, and Yokohama has led to the recall of millions of tires across the country. If you or your loved one have been injured from a defective tire, reach out to Rob Ammons now for a no-cost consultation.
Disclaimer: At Ammons Law, we are constantly seeking to improve the quality and safety of our roads and highways. We post these articles to help improve safety within our community. All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
