Marijuana use, texting, speeding confirmed in crash that killed Kaylee Russell: CSP

DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado State Patrol confirmed that Kaylee Russell had used marijuana before a crash that killed her in November 2025, and she was texting while driving and was driving more than double the suggested speed at the curve where she crashed. The crash happened on Nov. 30, 2025. Russell, 20, was driving a Volkswagen Tiguan on Larimer County Road 1 near Timnath when she lost control at a curve and went off the road, causing the vehicle to roll up an embankment and into a canal. Her vehicle was partially submerged, resting on its roof, and Russell was not found until days later after a missing person search for her. Her cause of death was blunt-force injuries and exposure to the cold and was listed by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office as an accident. CSP on Wednesday said officials received the toxicology report on Russell and said marijuana use was confirmed, and impairment was suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. Investigators also determined Russell was driving at about 60 mph when she went on the curve, which had an advised speed of 25 mph. CSP's report said she was also actively using a phone to send text messages at the time of the crash. Russell had last been seen earlier the day of the crash when she dropped her father off at the Loveland/Johnstown Park-N-Ride near Colorado Highway 402 and Interstate 25.