Colorado State Patrol investigators confirmed marijuana use, texting, and excessive speeding caused the November 2025 crash that killed 20-year-old Kaylee Russell. The crash occurred on Larimer County Road 1 near Timnath when Russell lost control at a curve while driving her Volkswagen Tiguan at approximately 60 mph in a 25 mph zone.

Russell's vehicle rolled up an embankment and into a canal, becoming partially submerged on its roof. Her body wasn't discovered until days later during a missing person search. The Larimer County Coroner's Office ruled her death an accident caused by blunt-force injuries and exposure to cold temperatures. Toxicology reports confirmed marijuana use, with impairment suspected as a contributing factor.

The investigation revealed Russell was actively texting on her phone at the time of the crash. She had been last seen earlier that day dropping her father off at the Loveland/Johnstown Park-N-Ride. This tragic incident highlights the deadly combination of impaired driving, distracted driving, and excessive speed on Colorado roads.