Mothers of Castle Rock teens killed by drunk driver speak out for first time

CASTLE ROCK, Colorado – Next month marks the two-year anniversary of the wrong-way drunk driver crashing into another car in Castle Rock that left two teenagers dead and two others injured.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Territorial Road and I-25 Frontage Road. Audrey Todd, 17, and Colton Bellamy, 17, died shortly before midnight on August 5, 2022 – a few days before the start of their senior year of high school. Two of their friends were injured in the accident.

For the first time, their mothers spoke publicly about the enormous loss.

Audrey’s mother, Kimberly Todd, said her daughter had attended a back-to-school party at a friend’s house earlier that day. Audrey was with her boyfriend, Colton, and Colton’s girlfriend, Kimberly said.

Kimberly said her daughter texted her to let her know she was on her way home.

“On August 5, 2022 at 11:25 a.m., that was the last moment I communicated with my daughter,” Kimberly said. “At 4 a.m., investigators were at my door, along with other law enforcement officials and attorneys, telling me there had been an accident, and they kept saying, ‘I’m sorry.’ And I didn’t want to believe it. And I kept saying, ‘No.’ I was screaming. I don’t really remember much about that night other than my disbelief.”

Kimberly described her daughter as caring, selfless and loving – someone who was always helping others.

Kimberly Todd

“She embodied what and who I think more children should be today,” she said.

Kimberly said it was important to her to be a voice for Audrey and Colton, as well as all other victims and survivors of drunk driving.

“There are so many other options than getting behind the wheel and making that decision,” she said. “Because if you do that, you’re putting everyone at risk, including yourself. It’s not worth it. You’re going to turn a family upside down.”

Colton’s mother, Teggie Bellamy, described her son as a “pillar of light” who was always happy.

Teggie Bellamy

“Nobody believes this will happen to them, and one wrong decision will change your life forever,” said Teggie.

Both mothers told Denver7 they remain close to the other two teens injured in the accident.

Colton’s girlfriend, an all-state cheerleader, was hospitalized, Teggie said, adding that the girl had a “terrible journey” during her recovery. Audrey’s boyfriend, who was driving, was fortunately not injured.

“But this boy remembers every moment of that night,” said Teggie. “He remembers the children in the cars, the trauma. And it’s not just the children who died, but those children have lifelong injuries. And all you can do to prevent that – just don’t drink and drive.”

The women said that despite the tragedy, a strong bond developed between them that helped them get through the difficult time.

“Our friendship has been incredible during this time,” said Teggie. “I can’t imagine doing it without her.”

Denver7

“Losing a child is not something any parent should have to go through,” Kimberly added. “Teggie and I have spent many nights crying together. I know she’s been through the same thing, but we’re never going to break up. This is a forever thing. This isn’t something that just goes away. This is someone you think about when you wake up, when you eat. I’m talking to you right now. Who’s in the back of my mind? Who’s right there? Colton and Audrey. They’re right there. And that’s how you live your day.”

Both women told Denver7 that they are involved with the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The driver of the car that struck the teens was later identified as Ricky Avalos-Trujillo, 26, of Colorado Springs, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. At the time of the crash, he was speeding and drove into oncoming traffic in the wrong lane, colliding head-on with the other car. Investigators later determined he was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.

In July 2023, he was sentenced to 31 years in prison.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, authorities have been called to 777 drunk driving crashes across Colorado so far this year. With this trend, the state is on track to have one of the fewest drunk driving crashes on record:

• 2020 – 1,834 accidents under the influence of alcohol (90 fatal, 499 injured)
• 2021 – 1,991 accidents under the influence of alcohol (92 fatal, 511 injured)
• 2022 – 2,084 accidents under the influence of alcohol (98 fatal, 573 injured)
• 2023 – 1,959 accidents under the influence of alcohol (78 fatalities, 523 injuries)