Adams County sheriff’s deputy dies in Fort Lupton crash

DENVER (KDVR) — A deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office died in a crash in Fort Lupton on Tuesday night.

Deputy Joshua Tapia was off duty when a driver struck him, according to Fort Lupton Fire Protection District . The driver reportedly stayed on the scene and called 911.

The crash happened just before 9:30 p.m. on Highway 52 near South Purman Avenue, according to a release from the City of Fort Lupton Police Department . He died early Wednesday morning at Lutheran Hospital, the fire protection district said.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who may have witnessed any part of the incident or has surveillance footage or dash camera video to contact Investigator Palissa at 720-466-6151.

Tapia was a husband, father of four and friend who served with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years and was a member of Rampart Search and Rescue. The sheriff’s office said his “devotion to teaching, training, and mentorship was a blessing for our agency.”

“As an organization and a close-knit law enforcement family, we are deeply saddened by this loss. Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones, friends, and colleagues in Adams County during this difficult time,” the agency wrote in a post on X.

Just over a year ago, Tapia retired from the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District after serving for 20 years.

“Service to his community was his calling and he never wavered in his commitment to his duties or his family. He truly loved serving his community both as a firefighter and in law enforcement,” the fire protection district said in a post on Facebook .

The sheriff’s office said he was devoted to serving the community however he could.

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