A two-vehicle collision took the lives of five Kremmling residents on the morning of Aug. 4., when two parents perished in a fiery crash on Colorado Highway 9 alongside their three young children.

Manuel “Manny” Cabral-Torres, 34, and Andrea Banuelos-Salazar, 30, were the parents. Their children were Andres Cabral-Banuelos, 2, Manuel Cabral-Banuelos, 5, and Maria Cabral-Banuelos, 12, who was about to enter fifth grade at West Grand Elementary School. All five died on scene in the crash on Colorado Highway 9, just a couple miles south of Kremmling.

After this tragedy, the Kremmling community rose up to support the remaining members of the family, as well as relatives who live in Jerez, Zacatecas, the Mexican city where the family originated from. The community raised funds to have the family’s remains laid to rest there.

A cookout fundraiser for the family was held Aug. 7 at the elementary, sponsored by East & West Towing. Leslie Osorio, who owns the towing company with her husband, Mike Osorio, told Sky-Hi News that their fundraiser raised over $5,100 in individual donations for the family. In addition, several people at the fundraiser also donated via QR code.

“We did give (the donations) to the grandmother,” said Leslie. “She was very thankful to the community.”

Manny’s mother, Maria Torres-Reyes, traveled from Mexico to Kremmling after the fatal crash. A memorial for the family was planned to be help for the lost family members on Aug. 14 in Jerez.

Kremmling town manager Jen MacPherson told Sky-Hi News that board members of the town stepped up to donate and help the family in need. She expressed her sympathy for the tragedy and encouraged everyone to drive safely and remain vigilant on the road.

MacPherson added that she thanks all first responders — Colorado State Patrol, Grand County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, the coroner, the Kremmling fire and police departments — as well as good Samaritans who’ve pulled together since the crash to help.  

Javier Torres-Garcia, the cousin of Manny, started a GoFundMe to support the family. Community members can donate at GoFundMe.com/f/Help-Us-Raise-Funds-For-Funeral-And-Transportation-Expenses. As of publication time, a little over $80,000 has been raised, which was the fundraiser’s goal.

Torres-Garcia shared the following words to everyone who supported the family during this time:

“I’m truly grateful to the communities of Kremmling, Colo., South Sioux City, Neb., Jerez Zacatecas, Mexico, and everywhere else that has taken the time to send condolences and prayers. Manny left his mark in every one of those places, and the love we’ve received shows how many lives he touched.

“Manny was the kind of person who could make anyone feel welcome generous, hardworking, and always ready to help. His wife and kids shared that same warmth, and together they created memories and friendships that will last forever. We’ll miss them every day, but their spirit will live on in everyone who knew them.”

“Estoy muy agradecido con las comunidades de Kremmling, Colo., South Sioux City, Neb., Jerez, Zacatecas, México y todos los demás lugares que se han tomado el tiempo de enviarnos sus condolencias y oraciones. Manny dejó huella en cada uno de esos lugares, y el cariño que hemos recibido demuestra cuántas vidas tocó.

“Manny era de esas personas que hacían sentir bienvenido a cualquiera: generoso, trabajador y siempre dispuesto a ayudar. Su esposa y sus hijos compartían ese mismo calor humano, y juntos crearon recuerdos y amistades que durarán para siempre. Los vamos a extrañar todos los días, pero su espíritu vivirá en cada persona que tuvo la suerte de conocerlos.”