Head-On Collision Near CU Boulder Claims Life of Young Driver

Boulder, Colorado
A fatal head-on collision near the University of Colorado Boulder campus has left one person dead and several others injured, sending shockwaves through the community early Sunday morning.

According to the Boulder Police Department, the accident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on Highway 36, approximately two miles from the university’s main campus. Investigators say that a sedan traveling southbound veered across the median and collided head-on with an SUV traveling northbound. The force of the impact was so severe that both vehicles were nearly destroyed.

The driver of the sedan, identified as 22-year-old Daniel Morgan, a senior engineering student at CU Boulder, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three occupants of the SUV — two women and one man — were transported to Boulder Community Health in serious but stable condition. Authorities have not yet released their names pending notification of their families.

Emergency crews responded within minutes after multiple 911 calls reported the crash. Firefighters worked for nearly an hour to extricate the victims from the wreckage, while the highway remained closed in both directions through the early morning hours for investigation and cleanup.

Investigators Probe Cause of Deadly Crash

Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol and speed may have been contributing factors in the collision. Witnesses told police that they saw Morgan’s vehicle swerving between lanes moments before the crash.

“We are investigating all possibilities, including impairment and distraction,” said Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold during a press briefing. “At this time, there is no evidence that this was an intentional act. It appears to be a tragic accident.”

Toxicology reports on Morgan are pending, with results expected within several days.

The Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Morgan died of blunt force trauma and said that an autopsy had been completed Sunday afternoon.

Highway 36 was fully reopened by 8:00 a.m., but the scars from the wreck — twisted metal, broken glass, and skid marks — served as a grim reminder of the night’s tragic events.

Remembering Daniel Morgan

Friends and classmates describe Morgan as a “bright, ambitious, and kind-hearted” individual who was weeks away from graduating. He had recently secured a job offer with a leading engineering firm in Denver and was looking forward to starting his professional career.

“Daniel was the kind of person who lit up the room with his energy,” said Megan Riley, a close friend and fellow engineering major. “He had a passion for building things — machines, robots, anything you could imagine. He was going to do amazing things.”

Morgan’s professors in the College of Engineering and Applied Science also mourned his loss.

“He was an outstanding student, deeply curious and motivated,” said Dr. Alan Wu, one of Morgan’s mentors. “The university community has lost a promising future leader.”

A memorial service is being planned on campus later this week, with details to be announced once finalized.

Safety Concerns Near Campus

The accident has reignited conversations about traffic safety near CU Boulder, particularly late at night. Highway 36 is a major thoroughfare for students traveling to and from downtown Boulder, where many popular bars and nightclubs are located.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen an increase in late-night accidents involving young drivers,” said Sgt. Lauren Hart of Boulder Police’s Traffic Enforcement Unit. “We continue to encourage students and residents to use designated drivers, rideshare services, and to make responsible decisions when traveling after a night out.”

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), fatal crashes involving young drivers in Boulder County have risen by nearly 15% over the past two years.

In response, CU Boulder launched a “Stay Safe” initiative last fall, promoting sober driving and offering discounted rideshare vouchers for students. University officials said Sunday that they plan to expand the program in the wake of this latest tragedy.

“We are devastated by the loss of Daniel Morgan,” said CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano in a statement. “We reaffirm our commitment to supporting safe transportation options for all students.”

Community Mourns and Seeks Change

The tragedy has stirred deep emotions on campus and throughout the Boulder community.
Hundreds of students took to social media to share memories of Morgan and express condolences to his family.

“Daniel was a brother to me,” one post read. “He made everyone around him better. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Many are also calling for renewed efforts to improve road safety near the campus, including installing more barriers along Highway 36, better street lighting, and increased DUI checkpoints during late-night hours.

City officials acknowledged community concerns and promised to review possible safety upgrades.

“We have to do better,” said Mayor Aaron Brockett during a Sunday afternoon press conference. “We owe it to Daniel and everyone who has been affected by preventable tragedies like this.”

A Life Cut Short

As investigations continue and the community grieves, Daniel Morgan’s death stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for safer practices behind the wheel.

Plans for a candlelight vigil are underway, and university leaders are urging students to seek grief counseling if needed. CU Boulder’s Office of Student Affairs is offering walk-in counseling hours all week for anyone struggling with the loss.

For now, friends, family, and classmates are left to remember the life of a young man who had so much to offer — a life full of promise, taken far too soon.