PUEBLO, Colo. — A devastating early morning crash in Pueblo has claimed the life of 31-year-old Leann R. Lucero, who was killed in a pedestrian collision involving a driver identified as Dahir Ortiz Espinoza, as authorities continue to investigate what officials are calling a serious and ongoing traffic incident.
On Wednesday evening, the Pueblo County Coroner formally identified the victim as Leann R. Lucero, who was pronounced dead at the scene following a pedestrian crash that occurred in the early hours of the morning. Her sudden passing has left family, friends, and the wider community grieving a life lost far too soon.
According to the Pueblo Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 2:20 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian-involved crash in the 600 block of West Northern Avenue. When emergency responders arrived, they found Lucero suffering from critical injuries. Despite efforts at the scene, she was pronounced deceased shortly after.
Investigators say the vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene immediately after impact, escalating the severity of an already tragic situation. However, a witness who observed the incident acted quickly, following the fleeing vehicle and contacting 911, providing crucial information to responding officers.
That witness-led effort ultimately helped authorities locate the suspect vehicle abandoned in the 200 block of West Northern Avenue. Shortly afterward, officers located the suspected driver, identified as Dahir Ortiz Espinoza, walking nearby. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Espinoza now faces multiple serious charges, including Vehicular Homicide, Failure to Remain at the Scene of a Fatal Crash, Failure to Report a Fatal Crash, Reckless Driving, and DUI. Authorities have not released additional details regarding impairment, but the charges indicate allegations of both dangerous driving behavior and impairment-related factors.
Officials also confirmed a troubling statistic tied to the incident. This crash marks the third fatal pedestrian collision in Pueblo this year, and the ninth fatal traffic crash overall in 2026, underscoring growing concerns about roadway safety in the area.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the events leading up to the deadly collision. Authorities have not yet released further information about what may have caused the initial impact or the moments leading up to it.
As the case develops, the focus remains on both accountability and remembrance—honoring the life of Leann R. Lucero while also addressing the circumstances that led to her tragic death.
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