Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas, Santa Clarita girls hockey team involved in a fatal crash in Colorado goes on to win a tournament.

Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas – A youth ice hockey team from Santa Clarita achieved a major milestone over the weekend, capturing the Western Girls Hockey League championship in Colorado, just days after a tragic traffic incident deeply affected their team community.

The Santa Clarita Lady Flyers, a girls hockey team made up of players aged 12 and younger, traveled to Colorado to compete in the tournament held in a Denver-area suburb. Their journey was overshadowed by a serious crash that occurred before the competition began. Authorities said the incident happened Thursday morning along Interstate 70 in Clear Creek County, near Loveland Pass, while the team was en route to the event.

According to law enforcement officials, a rented passenger van carrying several members of the team was involved in a collision with a snow removal vehicle operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investigators reported that the snow plow crossed into oncoming traffic, leading to the crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly to assist those involved.

The driver of the van, later identified by the county coroner as 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana-Villegas, died at the scene. Officials confirmed that he was the father of one of the players on the team. His daughter, who was also in the vehicle, suffered injuries but was treated and released from the hospital in time to attend the final games of the tournament.

Several others were injured in the incident and taken to area hospitals. Authorities said a number of children were treated and released the same day, while some adults required additional medical care. One child was transported to a specialized medical center for further treatment. Officials did not release identifying details about other injured individuals.

Despite the emotional toll and physical injuries, the Lady Flyers chose to continue competing in the tournament. Over the course of three days, the team played multiple games, demonstrating resilience and determination. They ultimately advanced to the championship round, where they secured a narrow victory to claim the league title. Team officials and supporters described the win as a testament to the players’ strength and unity during an incredibly difficult time.

Community support quickly followed the crash. A fundraiser organized to assist the affected families and help with travel and related expenses raised tens of thousands of dollars within days. Messages of encouragement and sympathy also poured in from the broader hockey community and local residents.

In a statement shared publicly, the team’s leadership expressed deep sorrow over the incident and gratitude for the support received. They described the Lady Flyers organization as a close-knit group and acknowledged the heartbreak felt by families, teammates, and supporters.

No obituary information has been formally released for Lorenzana-Villegas. Family members are expected to share memorial arrangements when they are ready. Community members have continued to offer condolences and support to his loved ones, particularly his child and the teammates affected by the loss.

While the championship win was a proud moment for the young athletes, team families emphasized that the focus remains on healing and supporting one another. The incident has served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, compassion, and resilience in the face of tragedy.