Eagle County Paramedic Services Mourns Death of EMT After Traffic Crash on Oct. 17

EDWARDS, Colo. – Oct. 18, 2022 – Eagle County Paramedic Services CEO Brandon Daruna announced today that Bonnie Culpepper, a full-time EMT with the district, died in a two-car crash in unincorporated Lake County yesterday morning. Lake County Sheriff's Office responded, as did Colorado State Patrol, Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue, and St. Vincent Health Emergency Services. Colorado State Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

“Our hearts are broken,” Daruna said. “Bonnie has worked at Eagle County Paramedic Services as an EMT since May 2023; she was also a musician, daughter, sister, friend, and partner. We have lost a beautiful soul; we will miss her light and her spirit.”

Bonnie’s EMS career began as an emergency department tech at UC Health Memorial Central in Colorado Springs. She was also a part-time EMT at Ute Pass Regional Health Service District and was taking classes toward a paramedic certification at CMC Leadville. She was an agriculturist, working on organic and hydroponic farms. Bonnie was also a professional singer/songwriter, musician, and music teacher.

‘We send our deepest condolences to Bonnie’s family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who knew her,” Daruna said.

A celebration of life is planned in Riverside Park in Salida this Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. with a reception following at the Highside at 4 p.m.