Two brothers, Daniel, 22, and Adam Diaz, 20, are grappling with unimaginable grief after losing their entire family in a tragic car crash in Thornton, Colorado. On Saturday evening, their father Francisco Diaz, mother Beatriz, and two younger sisters Paola, 15, and Nataly, 10, were killed in a crash that police say involved a vehicle that caught fire after impact.
The collision occurred around 8 p.m. at the intersection of Thornton Parkway and Washington Street. The Diaz family had left their home just minutes before to go to Walmart for groceries, a simple outing that turned into tragedy. “It didn’t feel real. I was thinking it was a nightmare; not something that actually happened,” Adam said, reflecting on the moment he learned of his family’s fate, via KDVR.
Daniel described the devastating moment he realized something was wrong. “I was going to eat, and as I was about to walk in, I get a notification that my little sister Paola had been in a crash-detected SOS,” he shared. The brothers said police informed them that their parents’ vehicle was stopped at a red light when it was struck by another car. The force of the collision pushed the Diaz family’s car into the intersection, where it was then hit by a third vehicle.
Francisco, 49, was a devoted father known for his ability to fix anything, constantly teaching his children life skills. Beatriz Nunez, his wife, was a nurturing mother who was always checking in on her sons. Their daughters, Paola and Nataly, were deeply loved. Paola, 15, was a shy teen who enjoyed dining out and watching movies, while Nataly, 10, had a love for dancing and singing.
The Diaz brothers are now left to cope with the heartbreak and plan the funeral arrangements for their family. “At this time it’s really hard for the both of us because we are really close to our family because we all lived together,” Daniel said, highlighting the strong bond they shared.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover funeral expenses as the brothers work to honor the memories of their parents and sisters. FOX31 reached out to Thornton police for an update on the crash investigation but has yet to receive a response. Previously, police confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle involved was transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
In the midst of their pain, Daniel and Adam are trying to be strong for each other, holding onto the love and memories of the family they cherished.