Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd die in fatal Greeley shooting
Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd die in fatal Greeley shooting
Fatal Greeley shooting death of Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd – Obituary
A Greeley family is preparing to say their final goodbyes to Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd, who tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision caused by a teenage driver. The incident took place on September 15 along Highway 34 near Wiggins, Colorado.
The O’Dowds were well-known in the community, operating a mobile tattoo business that frequently served the Greeley area. At the age of 80, Floyd was remembered by his children as a compassionate storyteller, while Sandy was known for her quiet nature and deep devotion to her children. “Mom was fairly quiet by comparison,” noted their son, Ezekiel Lira. “She lived for her kids, and that was always very evident in all of her actions.”
Ezekiel fondly recalled his childhood, where he and his siblings enjoyed a loving household filled with chosen family members. “They were pretty much open-door policy, and once you’re in, you’re family,” he reflected, estimating that there were around 65 or 66 siblings in their extended family. “They never distinguished between step and half-siblings; it was always just brother and sister because they were our Mom and Dad.”
Their family life was adventurous, characterized by spontaneous road trips. Yet, the sudden loss of his parents was unimaginable for Ezekiel. “It was just like way out of nowhere,” he shared.
On that fateful day, the O’Dowds were traveling down Highway 34 when their vehicle was struck head-on by a car driven by an 18-year-old who was reportedly attempting to overtake other vehicles. The couple died at the scene, while their daughter, Angel O’Dowd, survived but sustained serious injuries.
“I was asleep when the accident happened,” Angel recalled, describing the shock of waking up in the hospital, unsure if it was a dream. She was not the only one hurt, as a third vehicle was involved in the collision, resulting in injuries to four individuals who were also hospitalized.
Ezekiel expressed a desire to connect with those affected by the crash. “Best wishes and reach out if you’d like,” he said to the occupants of the third car. “If you knew my parents, they probably would have welcomed you into our family too.”
The Colorado State Patrol is continuing their investigation into the crash, and charges are still pending. The family seeks justice for their loss and hope for accountability. “We want justice for our family,” stated Fantasia Lira, another daughter of the O’Dowds. “We want justice for the other family going through what they’re going through, and we want justice for our little sister.”
In the wake of this tragedy, the O’Dowd family has initiated a fundraiser to assist with medical expenses and funeral costs.
Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd die in fatal Greeley shooting Fatal Greeley shooting death of Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd – Obituary A Greeley family is preparing to say their final goodbyes to Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd, who tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision caused by a teenage driver. The incident took place on September…
Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd die in fatal Greeley shooting Fatal Greeley shooting death of Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd – Obituary A Greeley family is preparing to say their final goodbyes to Sandy and Floyd O’Dowd, who tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision caused by a teenage driver. The incident took place on September…