A tragic incident unfolded in Broomfield, Colorado, as a suspected drunk driver with three prior DUI convictions allegedly struck and killed a mother and her teenage son. Jose Menjivar, 37, was arrested on charges related to the fatal crash that claimed the lives of Melissa Powell, 46, and her 16-year-old son, Riordan, on December 12 at approximately 1:45 p.m.

According to reports, Menjivar's driver's license had been revoked when he allegedly collided with the Powells' Mazda CX-5. The impact occurred in a "front to side manner," causing the vehicle to veer off the road and crash into a tree.

Law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene found Menjivar unconscious. When questioned, he claimed to have no recollection of the incident, as reported by KDVR. Moreover, officers discovered at least two empty beer cans on the front passenger floorboard, along with an open beer case in the rear passenger seat, with several missing cans. Additionally, a beer can was found near the crash site, according to the Denver Post.

The authorities also noted an overpowering smell of alcohol emanating from the Toyota pickup truck driven by Menjivar. Subsequently, a warrant was obtained for a blood test, which revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.249, more than three times the legal limit.

Due to injuries sustained in the collision, Menjivar was taken to a local hospital for treatment before being booked into Broomfield County Jail, Denver Gazette reports.

Further investigation following the tragedy unveiled Menjivar's prior convictions for driving while impaired in Boulder County in 2007 and 2016.

In the wake of Melissa and Riordan Powell's untimely deaths, their grieving family expressed the immense void left behind. Kim Powell, Melissa's sister-in-law, spoke about the devastating loss, stating, "An immeasurable void has been left in our family and communities, and the world feels less bright without them." The Powell family requested privacy to mourn and thanked everyone for their support during this challenging time, according to the Denver Gazette.

To assist the family during this difficult period, an online fundraiser has been established. The fundraiser highlights Melissa as a mother of three and Riordan as a student attending Broomfield High School and the Boulder Technical Education Center. It emphasizes that both Melissa and Riordan were beloved figures in many people's lives and emphasizes the unforeseen financial burdens the Powell family faces during the holiday season.

Menjivar now faces serious charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence - fourth or subsequent offense, and driving under the influence per se - fourth or subsequent offense. These charges are classified as felonies given Menjivar's prior DUI convictions.

The Broomfield community and beyond mourn the loss of Melissa and Riordan Powell, and the legal process will determine the consequences for the alleged drunk driver responsible for their tragic deaths.