DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado State Patrol confirmed that Kaylee Russell had smoked marijuana before a November 2025 crash that resulted in her death, that she was texting while driving and traveling at more than twice the recommended speed on the curve where the crash occurred.
The car accident occurred on November 30, 2025. Russell, 20, was driving a Volkswagen Tiguan on Larimer County Route 1 near Timnath when he lost control in a curve and went off the road, causing the vehicle to roll up an embankment and into a canal.
Family and friends mourn 20-year-old Kaylee Russell’s death after days of search
Her vehicle was partially submerged and resting on its roof, and she was not discovered until days later during a missing persons search for Russell. Her cause of death was blunt force trauma and cold, and the Larimer County Coroner’s Office classified her as an accident.
CSP said Wednesday that officers received a toxicology report from Russell and said marijuana use was confirmed and mental impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash.
Investigators also determined Russell was driving about 60 mph when he turned the corner, compared to the recommended speed of 25 mph.
The CSP report states she was actively using her phone to send text messages at the time of the crash.
Russell was last seen earlier in the day when she dropped her father off at a Loveland/Johnstown park-and-ride near Colorado Highway 402 and Interstate 25.
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