A 10-years-old Child killed by a Colorado teacher while Texting behind the Wheel of her Car

A Colorado teacher, Ashley Weiss, was found guilty on Friday of causing the death of a 10-year-old boy while texting and driving.

What Happened

Weiss, a middle school teacher from Timnath, was convicted of careless driving resulting in death. On August 2, 2023, around 6 p.m., she was driving an Audi SUV and looking at her phone when she hit 10-year-old Oliver “Ollie” Stratton, who was riding his bike on Saddle Horn Drive in Timnath. Ollie was rushed to the hospital but sadly passed away... Continue reading here ▶

Admitting to Texting

Weiss admitted that she had been sending and receiving texts while driving just before the crash. After the incident, she deleted the messages. Before her trial began on December 16, she also pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence.

Possible Sentence

Weiss faces sentencing on March 7 for the misdemeanor charges. She could receive up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, according to KUSA 9.

Family’s Response

Ollie’s parents, Clarissa and Rod Stratton, expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying the punishment does not feel like justice.

They are advocating for stricter distracted driving laws to ensure drivers are held accountable and that such offenses are treated as felonies instead of misdemeanors.

“We call on Colorado and other states nationwide to pass tougher laws and harsher penalties that will truly hold distracted drivers accountable,” the Strattons said. “The District Attorney’s office did everything it could under the current system, but we all must do more.”