A family reunion trip from Oregon to Colorado turned into a devastating tragedy for the Hughes family when a shuttle bus crash near Denver International Airport (DIA) claimed the life of their beloved grandfather, 77-year-old John Hughes, and left multiple family members seriously injured. Ian Hughes, who was aboard the shuttle with his father, brother, and grandfather, recounted the horrifying moment when their vehicle was struck by a pickup truck late Saturday night, July 12, 2025, while heading to an off-site rental car center. What was meant to be a joyful visit filled with cherished memories became an unimaginable nightmare.
The shuttle, carrying eight passengers including the driver, was making a left turn at the intersection of Tower Road and East 81st Avenue in Commerce City when a pickup truck, reportedly traveling at high speed, collided with the rear corner of the bus. The impact was catastrophic, causing the shuttle to spin. Ian’s father, a couple on board, and two others were ejected from the vehicle. Ian described the chaotic scene: “My father was bleeding badly but still breathing. It was overwhelming.” His grandfather, John Hughes, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam and had survived cancer, died at the scene. Ian’s brother sustained severe injuries, including a compound fracture in his leg, with his tibia and fibula protruding, requiring multiple surgeries.
John Hughes was a man of strong morals, remembered by Ian as someone who stood for doing the right thing and being a good person. “He was ripped from us too soon,” Ian said, grappling with grief while visiting his father in the ICU at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. His father suffered a skull fracture, a fractured vertebra, and a severe concussion, leaving him disoriented and requiring slow, careful recovery. Despite the pain, Ian noted his brother remained in good spirits, having undergone his first surgery with another planned.
The crash, which occurred around 11:30 p.m., injured approximately nine or ten people, with several transported to local hospitals for serious injuries, including broken bones. The Commerce City Police Department is actively investigating the cause of the collision, with no indication that alcohol was a factor. Both drivers remained at the scene, and the shuttle was identified as belonging to an off-site parking service, not directly operated by DIA. Authorities have not yet released official conclusions about the crash’s cause.
The Hughes family had come to Colorado for a sentimental journey, with John Hughes eager to show his family places he once loved. “Our roots run deep here,” Ian said, reflecting on the cruel irony of the tragedy unfolding in a place they held dear. Instead of creating new memories, the family now faces a long road to healing, forever changed by the loss of a man Ian looked up to and loved deeply.
“This crash has a multi-layered effect on everyone,” Ian said. “All it takes is one little slip, and you’re taking someone’s life. It’s a rude awakening, and I hope it’s an awakening for others to see that this can’t happen.” He shared his story to urge drivers to think twice before speeding, emphasizing how one split-second decision can alter lives forever.
Amid the heartbreak, Ian expressed profound gratitude for the Colorado community and the strangers who rushed to assist at the crash site. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support,” he said. “The people who helped that night made a difference in our darkest hour.” Seven ambulances responded to the scene, and Denver Police assisted with traffic control, showcasing the community’s swift response.
As the Hughes family mourns the loss of John Hughes, they are supported by friends, medical staff, and a compassionate community rallying around them. Ian’s message resonates as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility: “Hold your loved ones close. Love them deeply, and don’t take a single moment for granted.”
The Commerce City Police Department continues to investigate the collision, working to reconstruct the events and determine the cause. Meanwhile, the Hughes family navigates their grief and recovery, leaning on the strength of their bonds and the kindness of those who have stepped forward in their time of need.
