Denver CO Teen Hit By Vehicle Dies, Elderly Driver Could Face Prison

The life of Cole Sukle, 14, of Denver, Colorado, was tragically cut short when he was struck and killed by an erratic driver while riding his bicycle on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 13.

Investigators identified the driver as 81-year-old Patricia Livingston, who was reportedly weaving in and out of traffic as she traveled “westbound on East Yale Avenue from Colorado Boulevard in a 2010 Audi A4.”

Image via YouTube Screen Capture
Image via YouTube Screen Capture

The elderly woman’s erratic driving came to a halt just moments after striking Sukle and his 13-year-old friend, Jack Mahoney. Both youths were in the bike lane and on their way to Slavens Elementary School. After hitting the two youths, Livingston crashed her vehicle into a creek.

Sukle was thrown off of his bike after being hit and sustained serious injuries. He was rushed to Denver Health Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. The Denver teen succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The second teen, who was riding a skateboard, was transported to Denver Health Medical Center, where he received treatment for minor injuries. Mahoney was recently discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Investigators initially ruled the incident an accident, but on Monday, Livingston – who remains hospitalized after suffering injuries in the crash – was charged with one count of “careless driving resulting in death and careless driving resulting in injury.”

Livingston’s family later released a statement, which stated as follows:

“We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred on July 13 and the passing of a young life.”

“We express our profound sorrow and regret, and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

If Patricia Livingston is found guilty of the charges, she could face up to one year in prison.

Featured Image via YouTube Screen Capture.