Two Killed In Wrong-Way Accident On I-25

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Posted: 7:33 AM Feb 19, 2008
Last Updated: 1:44 PM Feb 19, 2008
Reporter: Leslie Fichera
Email Address: news@kktv11news.com

35 comments

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A deadly accident on I-25 and South Academy left the northbound lanes of I-25 closed between South Academy and Circle for several hours Tuesday morning.

The accident happened around 12:30 a.m. Police say 25-year-old Matthew Sims was driving on the wrong side of the interstate when he hit another car head-on.

The other vehicle was driven by Sylvia Hinklin, 64, of Cotopaxi. Both Hinklin and Sims, of Widefield, were killed in the crash. A small dog being driven in Hinklin's car was also killed.

An officer who attempted to approach Sim's car before the crash says the car accelerated to 90 mph upon his approach. Police say that speed was a definite factor. It is unknown whether alcohol also played a role.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Gino Villarreal Location: Colorado on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:58 PM
I have known Matt Sims since I went to CSDB in fall of 1988. He was a sweet guy I've ever known. I will never forget the fun memories I have with him. I will always remember him in my heart and forever. I will always miss him.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 6, 2008 at 04:19 PM
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Posted by: Amanda Jurasin Location: Fort Belvoir, VA Formally from Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 2, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Many prayers to the families of the lost, I have known Matt Sims for many many years, grew up in the same town, and same church. Many prayers out to the Sims Family... from The Jurasin Family.

Posted by: Andy (SON) Location: Hugoton,Ks. on Mar 12, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Iam sorry to all that lost but Iam still here picking up the peices that they left behind. If anyone is a monster or a idiot It is us for letting them both drive in what ever there condishon was DRUNK or hart problems . it's not easy for anyone that is left be hind topickup & go on with life but we will. GOD BLESS TO ALL GOOD BY MOTHER.

Posted by: Bria Location: Colorado Springs on Mar 7, 2008 at 05:29 PM
I'm so sorry this happened and my heart goes out to both family's. Matt was a great person with a smile as big as his heart. I'm soooo blessed I got the chance to meet him!!

Posted by: Dollie Location: Cotopaxi on Mar 4, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Bottom line is....lives were lost that night that can never be returned. Hearts were broke that will take a long time mending. We need to cherish the good memories we have left and go on. That is what Sylvia and Matt would have wanted. Some things make no sense. But it is not for us to judge. Walk with Jesus Sylvia nad Matt...and puppy dog.

Posted by: someone Location: VA on Mar 4, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Why would you call him a monster?? That is awful... how many people know that he was deaf? And that he was the sweetest guy ever?? And just because he made a mistake he's automatically a monster. I mean, yeah, that lady died, but Matt had a family and friends too because his dad is a pastor and his family is so loved.

Posted by: Dollie Location: Cotopaxi on Mar 2, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Sylvia Hinklin was not only my care giver, but a near and dear friend. Not only was she caring for others at 64, but her convelescing husband. She, herself, had been recovering from a heart attack. She had been asked by a family member to come get her, and with unconditional love got up out of her bed, in Cotopax, in the middle of the night, to do so. She had a heart as big as Texas. And a laugh that could draw tears.She never had "spare time" but she seem to make it and baked for everyone. She loved everyone and could never say no. That is what aided in her death. She was loved by many and we will always remember her. I only hope, that in some way, her death will help open certain eyes. Knowing, taht she gave, once again, uncondiontionally. WE MISS YOU BUFFY....

Posted by: Human Location: C/S on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:51 AM
The monsters are him and those that defend what he did. It's sad that others had to pay for his imperfections. If he were to respond I wonder if he too would be attempting to excuse what he did. I am also bothered by those that sit behind a keyboard and validate people that take the lives of innocent people that are not on the road drinking, driving, and avoiding capture, and those that judge people for their thoughts and opinions. If it were your mother or grandmother would you say it's okay because the drunk driver with issues made a mistake? I was being kind when I used the term "monster". Oh, let's not forget the #######"s case in 2006. Oh,that must have just been a mistake too. How many wrong choices did he make at the potential risks and expenses to others? Yeah!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: westland on Feb 25, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Hi i know matt sims from colorado springs for deaf and blind school, he is good friend of mine, it surpised me what happen sims and with other person. hey any one please prayer for sims.

Posted by: Mark Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 23, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Dear Human: i never denied that he was drinking or anything. i only stated what i would have liked to have believed. people that sit behind a keyboard and judge others for their actions are the people who bother me the most. Matt is not an idiot or a monster or any other name that you want to tag to him just because of a mistake that he made. He is human just like the rest of us, and we all know that nobody is perfect, and i KNOW we all have made bad decisions in life. YES, he should have pulled over, no matter the reason he ran. I guess for those who want to tag names to him, i guess it must be easy for you since he's gone and not able to respond back. who's the real monsters?

Posted by: Jerges Location: Pueblo on Feb 22, 2008 at 10:31 PM
This should have never happened, there are grieving family's out there. RIP to both victims

Posted by: Human Location: C/S on Feb 22, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Sorry! I feel pitty for those trying to pretend that he is anything other than what he is. There is nothing that can excuse what he did, and this is not a poor attempt to judge him. It is what it is. Christina you said it well. When do facts become judgement? Tim, why is it okay for you to judge Christina? Face it, what this monster did was wrong, and Tim you are right it is negative. Most people have difficulty finding compassion for senseless inhumane acts of selfishness as this is.

Posted by: Human Location: C/S on Feb 22, 2008 at 07:59 PM
It's a poor excuse to imply this inconsiderate monster ran from CSPD because he might have been scared. It doesn't make a difference if he was drinking or using drugs he had no regard for anyone but himself. As he took the lives of these innocent people he was trying to save himself from getting into trouble. I am sad for the victims in this situation, and feel pitty for those that are arttempting to make a pretty picture about

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Denver on Feb 22, 2008 at 04:29 PM
This was stated in the Denver Post: "Records show Sims pleaded guilty to a reckless driving charge in 2006 after authorities caught him driving 107 miles-per-hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone in Jefferson County."

Posted by: L Location: Colorado on Feb 22, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I have to agree with Christina. Sims made a series of bad decisions with the final one running from the police. If he had mental issues, was on medication or drinking he should of never been operating a motor vehicle. Now, he has taken innocent lives because of his BAD decisions. I really can't think of anything that would justify his actions. I do feel sorry for his family's loss but don't excuse what he did or what he caused. A husband is without a wife, children are without their mom and all because of this man (or should I say "boy") and his unlawful behavior.

Posted by: Tim Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 21, 2008 at 11:09 PM
In response to Chrisina. I would expect comments like yours from people like you. But I would like to add that everyone is a victim here. We don't know all the facts and the young man's family still suffers just as the family of the woman and her dog. As I know a family member of the young man and know that there could be other circumstances, how dare you presume that the young man or the CSPD could have or should have acted in any other manner. I am not an advocate for wrong doings, but instead of voicing such negative comments without all the facts, couldn't you just have some decent human compassion for all of whom this affects? If you feel the need to justify your opinions, please reply and we can discuss on a more personal level.

Posted by: ? Location: Parker on Feb 21, 2008 at 10:35 PM
First of all the officer was on the opposite side of the interstate (going to right way), and second of all, the officer did not give chase to the vehicle.

Posted by: Kingsland Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 21, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Never run from the cops. U cant run from the law, that is not an option. For all you young kids out there, please learn from this tragedy. I feel sorry for the families but for simms family i have to tell you it wasnt the brightest idea to run from the police. U just dont do things like this. This is the outcome.

Posted by: Mark Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 21, 2008 at 06:14 PM
I know matt very well, ever since childhood. I would like to believe that alcohol wasn't involved, but rather that he was more scared that a police officer approached him. either way, yes he should have pulled over. Christina - for you to say your heart goes out to "real victims" then to turn around and call matt an idiot; who are you to say who's an idiot and who's not an idiot? If somebody makes a wrong choice, that doesn't mean they're idiots. It just means they made a wrong choice. Maybe in the future you should choose your words more carefully. Both families from both sides are victims in the matter, and my condolences to both families.

Posted by: christina Location: colorado sprngs on Feb 21, 2008 at 02:55 PM
My heart goes out to the real victims , the small dog. and Ms. Hinklin I dont feel sorry for the idiot sims. He had a choice. he could have pulled over and surrender.!!!!!! and their would have been no accident!!!!! My question to CS PD was the chase worth costing people 3 lives. counting the dog. It had a right to live its life just as anyone else.

Posted by: Jerry Location: Brady, Texas on Feb 20, 2008 at 11:42 PM
That is so horrible! I am truly sorry Jennipher! Such a tragedy!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Colorado on Feb 20, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Why is no one offering condolences to the victims (the woman that was driving on the right side of the road) loved ones? What happened is sad, to all involved, but she is truly the innocent victim here.

Posted by: Natasha Pamela Location: Quezon City on Feb 20, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Matt Sims was my sweetie this year of 2008...he love me so much and i really love him so much..when he dead..i really cry so much much and i cannot sleep all day that i always thinking of matt sims..because he is good person, fun person and he is my call "boyfriend" this year 2008...we almost plan for our relationships...you can contact me at pasha_punk084@yahoo.com.ph (myspace)....i want to know who will inform me what happen to matt sims..i did pray for him last night....i am cry.....

Posted by: Natasha Pamela Location: Quezon City on Feb 20, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Matt Sims was my Love this year of 2008...i was surprised what happen to matt sims...i am cry so much..i cannot sleep all day....i really thinking of matt sims because he love me so much and i really call him "boyfriend"....our id camfrog are using "MATTLOVEPASHA" and "PASHALOVEMATT"..tell me what happen to matt?i really love him so much much alot alot...

Posted by: Jennipher Location: San Angelo, TX on Feb 20, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Sylvia was my grandmother. Please pray for her family. She was on the right side of the road and the innocent one in this situation.

Posted by: Wendy Location: colorado springs on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:45 PM
PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT PERSON

Posted by: J. H. Location: Colo Sprg on Feb 20, 2008 at 11:25 AM
wow. now i know why i woke up at 12:27 that morining. i knew matt very very well. we spent days playing ps2 in our friends basement. i cant belive this happened. I am sure he was most likly drunk bill from boston. But i cant really see how it makes any differance now. i pray for both families and friends of both people involved. We miss you Matt. Love Justin

Posted by: Katrina Location: denver on Feb 20, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Yes, Bill I agree. My family has lost a beloved family memeber to this accident. Why didnt Matt just pull over? I dont know what happend all I know is that my family is hurting right now.

Posted by: Dominique Lee Location: Dallas,tx on Feb 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
We'll miss him alway. Pray for Matt Sims

Posted by: T Location: Denver on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Sylvia was my aunt! :( Keep our family in prayer

Posted by: Bill from Boston Location: Fountain on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Please inform the public as to whether alcohol or DRUGS were involved when it's known. I guess I don't know why it's assumed that alcohol only and not drugs could be a factor...??? Also, I think it would be very appropriate to pray for Sylvia's memory since she was the innocent one who got killed.

Posted by: Christina Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Oh no. That's awful! I am friend of Matt, too. Very sad! I know that Matt was very good friend in during school, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind for long time. I know he was good friend to me. Now, I am sad.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: CSDB on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:48 PM
We at the colorado school for the deaf and blind are sorry to hear this and pray for his family

Posted by: Jen A. Location: wisconsin A * former colo. spgs resident * on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:02 PM
I was a good friend of his, he was very very postitive person and outgoing person that I ever met in my life. He was so good person and friendly. I am going to miss him alot. God rest his soul and My prayers are goin to his family and friends which I know for long time

Posted by: Kelsie fajardo Location: colorado springs on Feb 19, 2008 at 02:30 PM
I am His Matt Sims Old Friend, Pray for Matt memory.

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