Family of Five Tragically Dies After Their Vehicle Bursts Into Flames – Details

A devastating head-on collision in Colorado has sparked an outpouring of grief and support, as relatives launch a fundraiser to honor the couple and their three kids who lost their lives.

A Colorado family of five was killed in a head-on car crash, officials said. The Grand County Coroner's Office confirmed that two adults and three children died in the collision on Highway 9 south of Kremmling on the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025.

Authorities identified the victims as Andres Cabral-Banuelos, 2, Manuel Cabral-Banuelos, 5, Maria Cabral-Banuelos, 12, Andrea Banuelos-Salazar, 30, and Manuel Cabral-Torres, 34. All were residents of Kremmling who died just minutes away from their home. They were originally from the municipality of Jerez, Zacatecas.

According to the coroner's office, "The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to become completely engulfed in flames. First responders arrived quickly but despite heroic efforts, the family did not survive."

"The loss of an entire family is an unspeakable tragedy, and our hearts are with all who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time," concluded the statement from the coroner's office.

Colorado State Patrol said the family was traveling in a GMC Yukon SUV when a Ford F-150 pickup truck, driven by a 25-year-old man, crossed from the northbound to the southbound lane, striking their vehicle head-on. The pickup driver sustained life-threatening injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Trooper Hunter Mathews of Colorado State Patrol said, "Despite Colorado's downward trend for fatal crashes this year, these past two months have been devastating for the loved ones and communities left behind due to violent head-on collisions."

The tragedy has deeply impacted the West Grand School District. In an initial Facebook post, a district spokesperson penned, "It is with deep sadness that I share that the tragic accident that occurred earlier today on Highway 9 south of Kremmling may have involved one of our West Grand families."

Later that day, the spokesperson added, "This is a heart-breaking tragedy, and we are here to support those who have been directly impacted, along with extended family, friends, and our community as best we can during this difficult time."

Javier Torres-Garcia, cousin of Manuel Cabral-Torres, shared memories of his relative. "I was really happy to hear when he would come visit us. He was the kind of guy who always tried to get family together no matter what," Javier recounted.

"Even if it was a day or two, he would always make time for family. Manny was a great dude, and he's going to be missed by a lot of people," said Javier.

Speaking about the loss, Javier added, "In moment's time, all five of them are gone. Just one person alone is tough on a lot of people but five, it's just so hard. Losing all five of them, all at the same time. His youngest was two and his oldest was 12. They had their whole life ahead of them. It’s so sad to think about."

The family expressed gratitude for the community’s response. "I'm shocked," Javier expressed. "I'm so grateful, how kind random people are. It's amazing; I appreciate it so much." They have asked for continued prayers as they prepare for the funerals of all five family members.

A fundraising effort has been launched to support the family’s funeral and transportation costs. "In these difficult times, we must come together more than ever, just as Manuel always wanted," wrote Javier on the GoFundMe page.

He added that donations will help give the family a proper farewell surrounded by their closest loved ones. As of now, the fundraiser has collected $80,182of its $80,000 goal. More donations are expected to pour in soon.

Community members have also voiced their grief and frustration on social media. In a Facebook post, Ebonie Marie Baxter described the crash as a failure to stay in the correct lane, emphasizing that five innocent lives were lost as a result.

She urged that the victims' names be remembered and hoped their story would serve as a wake-up call to distracted drivers.

Another relative, Ruby Torres, shared a message on Facebook expressing sorrow over the loss of the five family members.

She echoed Javier's call for unity during this difficult time and asked for donations to help with funeral and transportation expenses so the family could say their final goodbyes surrounded by loved ones. She extended thanks to all who contribute, share the message, or keep the family in their prayers.

The loss of the Cabral-Banuelos family has left a deep void in Kremmling and beyond. As relatives, friends, and neighbors mourn, the community continues to unite in grief and solidarity — honoring the lives cut short and ensuring their memory endures.