“It Was Never Supposed to Be Us”: Colorado Mother Mourns Loss of Devoted Father and Vibrant Daughter After Devastating Motorcycle Crash in Thornton
THORNTON, CO – What began as a typical Tuesday evening—a father picking up his daughter from volleyball practice—ended in unimaginable tragedy for one Colorado family. A motorcycle crash in Thornton has claimed the lives of a devoted father and his bright, spirited daughter, leaving a mother shattered, a community in mourning, and a city once again grappling with the devastating consequences of roadway dangers.
The victims have been identified as Devin Valencia, the young daughter, and her father [Father’s Full Name, if available], a beloved local resident known for his deep devotion to his children and passion for motorcycles.
An Evening That Changed Everything
According to authorities, the crash occurred on the evening of Tuesday, April [exact date], in Thornton, a city just north of Denver. The father and daughter were riding home on a motorcycle after a routine volleyball practice—something they had done many times before—when they were tragically struck by another vehicle under circumstances still under investigation.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly, but the injuries were catastrophic. Despite their efforts, both father and daughter were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
A Mother’s Devastation and a Cry for Change
The news of the fatal crash has left Devin Lopeman Cirbo, mother to Devin Valencia, utterly heartbroken. In a moving post shared publicly, she wrote:
“It was never supposed to be us. It was supposed to be a regular day, another ride home from practice, another night of laughter and dinner and stories. But now, it’s all gone.”
Through tears and unimaginable grief, Cirbo has chosen to speak out—not just in memory of her daughter and her ex-husband, but to raise awareness about motorcycle safety, distracted driving, and the fragility of life on the road.
“No parent should ever have to bury their child,” she shared. “And yet here I am, planning funerals, holding onto photographs, and trying to make sense of something senseless.”
Cirbo has urged local officials and state lawmakers to take stronger actions in promoting motorist awareness, calling attention to the dangers faced by motorcycle riders on busy roads like those in the Thornton area.
Remembering Devin Valencia: A Shining Light Dimmed Too Soon
Only in her early teens, Devin Valencia was described by friends, teammates, and teachers as “a bright light,” a vibrant and compassionate girl who had a natural ability to lift others up. A talented volleyball player and a student with big dreams, she was full of energy and curiosity, known for her contagious laughter and her fierce determination.
Her volleyball coach shared,
“Devin wasn’t just a great player—she was the heart of our team. She made everyone feel welcome, always had a smile on her face, and gave 110% every single time.”
Her sudden loss has rocked the school community, with grief counselors dispatched and a memorial being planned in her honor at her school gymnasium.
A Father’s Final Ride: “He Loved Being a Dad”
Devin’s father, a motorcycle enthusiast, had long shared his love of riding with his daughter. Family and friends say he always put his children first, and that his love for Devin was evident in everything he did.
“They were best friends,” said a close family member. “He lit up around her. He was the kind of dad who showed up to every practice, every game. His life revolved around his kids.”
He leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, hard work, and community involvement.
A Community Rallies Around a Grieving Mother
In the wake of the crash, neighbors and community members have rallied around Cirbo and her family. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and to support a memorial fund in Devin’s name, aimed at creating safer streets and raising awareness about motorcycle safety.
Candlelight vigils are being organized in both Thornton and at Devin’s school, with many locals voicing frustration over the increasing number of fatal traffic incidents in the region.
Ongoing Investigation
The Thornton Police Department has launched an investigation into the crash. As of this writing, no charges have been filed and the other driver involved has not been publicly identified. Investigators are looking into whether speeding, distraction, or impaired driving played a role in the crash.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage to come forward to assist in the investigation.
A Plea for Awareness
As she prepares to say goodbye to her daughter and former partner, Devin Lopeman Cirbo is hoping that their story will serve as a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change.
“Please—when you see a motorcycle, don’t just glance. Be aware. Be present. My daughter had a whole life ahead of her. This could have been avoided. It should have been avoided.”
The community of Thornton grieves not just the lives lost, but the dreams cut short. And through the sorrow, a mother’s voice rises—pleading for change, and hoping her tragedy will help spare others.