Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana Villegas, 38, died after a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow lost control and struck the van carrying the Santa Clarita Flyers girls' hockey team on Jan. 29. Five juveniles and three adults were hospitalized; several have since been released. Family and friends have raised more than $66,000 via GoFundMe to support his survivors. Despite the tragedy, Lorenzana's daughter recovered and rejoined her team, which continued at the Denver tournament and advanced after a 14-0 win.
Father Killed When Snowplow Struck Van Carrying Girls' Hockey Team; Community Raises $66K
Manny LorenzanaGoFundMe
Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana Villegas, 38, of Chatsworth, California, has been identified as the driver killed when a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow lost control and struck a sprinter van carrying the Santa Clarita Flyers girls' hockey team on Interstate 70 on Jan. 29.
Emergency responders at scene of the crash in Colorado on Jan. 29, 2026Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office
Crash Details
According to local reports and law enforcement, the snowplow veered while traveling westbound on I-70 and collided with the team van. Lorenzana was pronounced dead at the scene. Five juveniles and three adults from the van were taken to local hospitals with injuries; several were later released. The Clear Creek County Coroner's Office confirmed Lorenzana's identity to local outlets, including ABC affiliate KMGH and The Los Angeles Times.
Emergency responders at the scene of the crash on Interstate 70 in Colorado on Jan. 29, 2026Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office
Family, Community Response and Fundraiser
Friends and family set up a GoFundMe to support Lorenzana's survivors, which has raised more than $66,000. The campaign and those who knew him remembered him as a devoted partner to his soulmate, April, and a loving father to his daughter, Brody, calling him 'a hero' and 'the epitome of what an amazing man, father, partner and friend should be.'
"He was a family man to the core, and a wonderful son to his mother and best brother to his sisters and brother," the fundraiser organizer wrote.
Personal Life and Aftermath
Lorenzana owned Rare Hearts Tattoo Club and worked as a tattoo artist. His daughter was treated at a hospital and released; she rejoined her teammates in Denver on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Santa Clarita Flyers chose to continue competing at the tournament and advanced after a decisive 14-0 victory following two wins and one loss earlier in the weekend.
The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office and local media provided initial reporting. PEOPLE, The Los Angeles Times and other outlets covered the incident and the family's response.
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