Devante Griffin and Klariza Tarango were a happy young couple raising two young daughters in New Mexico. On May 2, 2026, the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District in Bayfield, Colorado, responded to a rollover vehicle accident on the side of Highway 160. When they arrived, they found Griffin’s pickup truck badly damaged and upside down on the side of the road. Tragically, emergency responders declared Griffin and Tarango deceased at the scene. But there was a small miracle in store. The couple’s 5-year-old daughter survived.
It’s unclear when the accident occurred.
KOAT reported The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District responded to the crash site around noon on May 2. Upper Pine River Fire Chief Bruce Evan told the news station that concerned residents called law enforcement after seeing the crashed vehicle on the side of the road for several days. Police believe the crash might have happened as early as April 30.
EMS found a 5-year-old girl alive in the wreckage.
The girl, identified online as Griffin’s daughter, Kaycee, survived with minor injuries. Per Colorado Public Radio, crews found the young child inside the vehicle but unrestrained.
Colorado State Patrol spokesperson Hunter Matthews told the outlet that Kaycee began to wake up when EMS arrived.
“You’d be surprised how resilient children are,” Matthews said. “She remained in the vehicle. We assumed that she was comfortable being around her parents.”
Police believe she was inside the car for more than 24 hours with her parents’ bodies.
After being checked at a hospital, Kaycee was turned over to her grandfather, the New York Post reported. The crash is still being investigated. The couple are survived by other daughter, Karenza.
The crash serves as a reminder of the importance of car seat safety.
The Upper Pines Fire Protection District shared a message on social media about the importance of proper car seats and restraints for children. The organization also shared information in the same post about an upcoming car seat safety class.
“As it has been reported Saturday‘s discovery of a fatal car crash is both a tragedy and a miracle for the 5 y/o. It weighs heavily not only on our crews but for the family and the public who have suffered a loss, expressed their condolences and offered their prayers,” the organization shared. “Often people are well aware of the car seat requirements but often are unaware of the booster seat needs.”
Loved ones want to support the couple’s children.
Following their tragic deaths, the couple’s loved ones created fundraisers for Griffin and Tarango. They’re remembered by family and friends as devoted parents who adored each other and their daughters.
“My nephew an[d] his beautiful other half was taken from us too soon. Please wrap your thoughts and prayers around both immediate family and friends especially the parents and children. We are thankful for any and all donations and prayers,” a loved one shared on social media.
It appears Griffin and Tarango had a happy life with their children and a bright future. May the couple’s family and friends always remind Kaycee and her sister, Klariza, of their parents’ love and devotion.
