Carissa Aspnes Fight for Recovery Continues After 2025 Colorado Crash, Family Speaks Out

Carissa Aspnes’ parents say their lives were “changed forever” after a hit-and-run crash left their daughter critically injured, describing the moment as devastating and preventable in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) video. Patricia Fox and Daniel Frick spoke emotionally about the impact on their family, as federal authorities continue to highlight the case and its aftermath years after the incident.

In the video, Carissa's mother, Patricia Fox, said, “Carissa is the type of person who sees beauty wherever she goes. She has a way of making other people feel beautiful. She was headed out a couple weeks after her birthday with some friends. At 8:15 p.m., she texted me and said, now that I'm embracing all that life has to give, I couldn't be happier.”

Fox added, “A driver from Venezuela ran a stoplight and cut across multiple lanes of traffic. Carissa was launched headfirst into a concrete barrier. They said she's very sick and I just remember pleading to God to please save her. I'm so thankful for the Angel Family Network.”

Her father, Daniel Frick, said, “She loves everybody. Everybody. She is the kindest person.”

The incident occurred on March 28, 2025. Carissa, 22, was riding on the back of a motorcycle in Parker, Colorado when she was struck after the driver ran a stop sign and crossed multiple lanes of traffic.

According to the DHS, the Venezuelan driver, Bermudez Marcano, was unlicensed and uninsured. After the crash, Carissa fell headfirst into a concrete barrier despite wearing a helmet and sustained a severe injury. DHS said Carissa suffered a traumatic brain injury, along with fractures to her leg, arm and face. She also sustained additional injuries.

After the collision, Marcano fled the scene. Carissa was hospitalized. She is minimally conscious, has lost verbal ability, is wheelchair-bound and uses a feeding tube.

Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for DHS media relations, said, “Carissa’s story is tragic and completely preventable.”

Bis added, “This hit-and-run by an illegal immigrant who ran a stop sign disabled Carissa for life. The Biden administration released this individual into the country in 2023. Open border policies have destroyed too many American lives.”

The suspect in the case was identified as Valeria De Los Angeles Bermudez Marcano, an illegal immigrant who came to the United States from Venezuela in 2023. On January 21, 2026, Marcano was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On April 2, 2026, Marcano was deported back to her home country.