Woman Charged in Fatal Crash that Killed Child

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #25G019183**
 

Kristen Duus, PIO
Greeley Police Department
970.350.9605 (office)
Kristen.duus@greeleypd.com
 

Woman Charged in Fatal Crash That Killed Child
 

GREELEY, Colo. — The Greeley Police Department has filed formal charges against the driver responsible for
a multi-vehicle accident that killed a five-year-old girl.

Maribel Zavala, 24, has been charged with careless driving resulting in death, left turn in front of approaching
traffic, driving under restraint, no proof of insurance and no seat belt.

On Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Greeley Police officers responded to a
multi-vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 85 and 22nd Street.

Initial investigation indicates a Ford Focus driven by a 24-year-old woman was traveling northbound on
Highway 85 when the driver attempted to make a left (westbound) turn onto 22nd Street. The vehicle was
struck on the passenger side by a southbound Tesla driven by a 51-year-old woman. The force of the collision
caused both vehicles to spin into a semi that was stopped at the intersection.

First responders initiated life-saving measures on a five-year-old passenger in the Focus, who was then
transported to Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver in critical condition. She later died from her injuries. Her
name will be released by the Weld County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Focus sustained minor injuries.
Neither the driver of the Tesla or the 55-year old semi driver were injured.

All charges are merely accusations, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of
law.

The crash remains under investigation. We are asking anyone with information on this case to contact Officer
Doug Medhurst at doug.medhurst@greeleypd.com.
 

No further details will be released today.

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