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September 10, 2014 VOLU M E 49 | I S S UE 34 | 7 5 ¢
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Two killed in crash on Hodgen Road near Roller Coaster Road Driver will be tried as minor, released into parents’ custody By Rob Carrigan
rcarrigan @coloradocommunitymedia.com Two Palmer Ridge Highschool students were killed and two others were taken to a hospital with injuries early Labor Day morning after a one-car accident that happened on Hodgen Road, near Roller Coaster Road. Two of the passengers, identified as 17-year-old Beau Begier and 18-yearold Ryan Pappas, both were pronounced dead at the scene. A second 17-year-old passenger, Mitchell “Jack” Clark, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital via air ambulance. He was still in Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Hospital on Friday, listed in “fair” condition. The driver, 17-year-old Marshal Douglas Gregory, from Parker (former Palmer Ridge student), was wearing his seatbelt and suffered minor injuries. After he was released from the hospital, he was taken into custody. The CSP sought vehicular homicide and vehicular assault charges against the driver, according to a news release, and he was formally charged in a Friday court appearance. In that same appearance, juvenile court Magistrate Denise Peacock announced that he would be tried as a
LEFT: Two dead, one arrested, one in hospital, all high-school students, from an alcohol-related crash early in the school year. Photo courtesy of Colorado State Patrol RIGHT: Skid marks and bark knocked off the pine trees, indicate where the vehicle left the road near the memorial on the North edge of Hodgen Road. Photo by Rob Carrigan minor and released into his parents’ custody with a court-ordered tracking device required. That tracking device is to be provided by Parker Police. Ristrictions of no driving and remaining under adult supervision at all times, also were applied. The driver, was taken by ambulance to Penrose-St. Francis Health Services hos-
pital in Colorado Springs. A passenger in the car was flown by helicopter to the same hospital, said Trooper Nate Reid, spokesman for the Colorado State Patrol. The crash happened just after 1 a.m. Monday, (Labor Day, Sept. 1) morning. The Colorado State Patrol said it was continuing to investigate the singlevehicle crash that occurred on Hodgen
Road near Roller Coaster Road in El Paso County. “A 2009 Cooper Mini convertible was traveling eastbound on E. Baptist Assembly Road at a high rate of speed when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign at Roller Coaster Road. As the vehicle crossed Crash continues on Page 3
Palmer Ridge High School reacts to deaths By Rob Carrigan
rcarrigan@coloradocommunitymedia.com POSTAL ADDRESS
TRI-LAKES TRIBUNE
District 38 officials and the district’s crisis team were available Labor Day as students, staff and parents dealt with the tragic deaths of two students killed in an auto accident in the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 1. An open-door meeting was offered at Ascent Church at 1750 Deer Creek in Monument from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday for anyone who wanted to gather, or seek support. “Our district crisis team is activated and will make counseling and resources available in the morning at school,” said a release from the district early Monday afternoon. “This is a tragic loss for our community, we are deeply saddened, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of these students, of
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District 38 continues on Page 7
A memorial, with two crosses and flowers, marked the edge of Hodgen Road by Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Rob Carrigan
Late Palmer Ridge students fondly remembered Ryan Pappas, Beau Begier died in automobile accident Sept. 1 By Danny Summers
dsummers@coloradocommunitymedia.com It didn’t take long for the Palmer Ridge High School baseball team to find a way to pay tribute to their former teammate and friend. On Sept. 3, former and current Palmer Ridge players posted a wooden plaque with Pappas’ No. 2 on the right-center field wall at the school’s baseball field. Pappas, who died in an automobile accident on Sept. 1 along with fellow Palmer Ridge student Beau Begier, was slated to be the Bears’ starting second baseman and leadoff hitter next spring, according to Palmer Ridge coach Steve Whiting. “He was a phenomenal second baseman,” Whiting said. “He worked really hard over the Reaction continues on Page 13
ABOVE: Beau Begier, far left, was featured in a story done by the Tribune last winter. He is pictured with Jonathan De La Cruz, center, and Rylan Thalhammer. Begier died Sept. 1 during an automobile accident. Photo by Danny Summers RIGHT: Palmer Ridge senior Ryan Pappas was a member of the school’s baseball and soccer teams. He was slated to the baseball team’s starting second baseman and leadoff hitter this season. Pappas died Sept. 1 in an automobile accident with fellow Palmer Ridge senior Beau Begier. Courtesy photo