Drunk driver sentenced to prison after accident in which father died

ARVADA, Colorado (KDVR) – The drunk driver who killed an Arvada father and seriously injured his two children in a crash has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The 23-year-old man was sentenced in court on Tuesday in the presence of the victim’s family.

Kresten Wolff was a father, husband, son, talented composer and musician whose life ended earlier this year. Wolff’s wife, Alicia, told FOX31 she bears no ill will toward the man who killed her husband and is saddened that he must live with the burden of guilt.

On February 5, 2024, Wolff was walking home with his children after picking them up from school when a driver ran a red light at the corner of West 64th Avenue and Lamar Street in Arvada and crashed into his car.

Wolff’s car flew into a nearby house, and two other vehicles were also hit in the accident. Wolff succumbed to his injuries and his children recovered from their serious injuries in the pediatric intensive care unit.

“I hope he grows up to be an incredible person”

Authorities identified the driver as Juan Ortega Torres. The 23-year-old pleaded guilty in March to intoxicated manslaughter and two counts of intoxicated assault and was sentenced to prison on Tuesday.

Prosecutors confirmed that Torres’ blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit and that marijuana and fentanyl were found in his system.

Alicia Wolff made a statement to FOX31 after the verdict was announced:

“When I saw Mr. Ortega Torres, I felt no animosity towards him. If there was one strong feeling, it was sadness that he has to live with this guilt and that we have to live without the best person we know. I wish him no harm, nor do I want him to spend years in prison unable to make a difference. Ultimately, I hope he uses this time to rise from the ashes and become an inspiration to everyone around him. I hope he grows up to be an incredible human being who can help others in their struggles. I hope he has a fulfilling life and can one day experience love, family, enlightenment, success and influence. Kresten and his life can be the catalyst for such change. I hope he uses that as a superpower.”

Alicia Wolff

Torres spoke in court on Tuesday.

“If I could trade places with Kresten, I would. I still can’t believe the damage I did to this family. I hope people believe me that I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,” he said.

If you would like to help this family during this difficult time, they are accepting donations.