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Family: 'Because Of Someone's Stupid Choice, Our Brother Is Now Gone'

By Dillon Thomas

WINDSOR, Colo. (CBS4) - The community of Windsor rallied behind the family of Kyle Nackos after he was killed in a suspected wrong-way DUI crash Thanksgiving morning.

"Windsor is missing someone tonight. But we have an angel in Heaven protecting us," one family member said.

Kyle Nackos
Kyle Nackos (credit CBS)

"(Kyle) always put a smile on your face, no matter what was going on," said Tiffany Nackos, Kyle's sister. "He would always make you laugh."

Hundreds gathered at Windsor High School for a candlelight vigil, and prayer service for those involved in the crash.

Nackos was returning home from a concert with his friend, Nash Rider, when the collision happened. Rider was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The suspected drunk driver, Alex Rodriguez, 25, was arrested.

Nash Rider
Nash Rider (credit: CBS)

Nackos' family said the community's support showed them how beloved their son, and brother, was.

"It was neat to see how much love and support he had," said Jacie Holt, Kyle's sister.

Staff at Windsor High School said they would have grief counselors on hand when students returned to classes.

i-25-hwy-7-fatal-10pk8g-transfer
(credit: CBS)
i-25-hwy-7-fatal-10pkg-transfer
(credit: CBS)

"For many (students), this is the first time they have ever lost a close friend," said Kevin Copher, Assistant Principal at Windsor High School. "Going through that experience is tough for them. We would rather teach these lessons in the classroom, than in the hard reality of life."

Nackos' family encouraged his friends to use this tragedy as a reason to never make bad choices while driving.

"Guys, please never get behind the wheel, and drive drunk," Nackos' mother said.

Kyle Nackos
Kyle Nackos (credit: CBS)

"Because of someone's stupid choice, our brother is now gone, and our brother's friend is fighting for his life. And, (the suspect) is walking away okay," Tiffany Nackos said.

Nackos' parents, and some of his other family members, called for the community to also forgive the suspect. His parents encouraged the students to lean on their faith in God to guide them through the tragedy, while also praying for the suspect.

Dillon Thomas is a reporter at CBS4 and a Colorado native. He believes everyone has a story, and would love to share yours! You can find more of his stories by following him on Twitter, @DillonMThomas.

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