Garrett Bimler Obituary, Death – Authorities in Denver have released the identity of the pedestrian who tragically lost his life following a traffic incident early Sunday morning near 16th and Market Streets. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed the individual as 26-year-old Garrett Bimler, noting that the cause of death was related to multiple injuries sustained during the crash. Officials ruled the manner of death as accidental.
According to reports, the crash occurred around 2:18 a.m. on Sunday when a driver allegedly struck another vehicle and a street sign before fleeing the scene. The suspect was later located and taken into custody roughly 30 minutes afterward in the 1700 block of Wazee Street.
A probable cause statement obtained by local media identified the driver as 27-year-old Milton Marquise III McBride. Investigators believe McBride had exited a parking garage in the 1500 block of Market Street, driving a red Chevrolet truck. Witnesses reported that he appeared to have driven through the gate arm of the garage before proceeding toward 16th Street.
As McBride continued, his vehicle reportedly collided with another car that tried to swerve to avoid impact. The truck then veered to the right, going up onto the sidewalk, where it hit a roadside sign. The sign was then pushed onto Bimler, who was standing nearby on the sidewalk. Despite the quick response of emergency personnel, Bimler was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Witnesses told responding officers that they saw the driver exit the vehicle and leave the area on foot immediately following the collision. Based on descriptions provided by witnesses and surveillance footage, officers were able to identify and locate McBride a short time later.
After his arrest, law enforcement officers reported finding a small bag containing a “white powdery substance” in the suspect’s pocket. While the specific nature of the substance is still being tested, police noted it would be part of the broader investigation.
Authorities stated that McBride initially declined to take a chemical test when he was taken into custody. He was later transported to Denver Health Medical Center, where medical staff completed a blood draw for investigative purposes. Results from that test were still pending at the time of the latest report.
The sheriff’s office further revealed that McBride had an active warrant issued from El Paso County and was driving with a suspended license at the time of the crash. He was placed on what officials described as an “investigative hold” while at the hospital. According to court documents, the case is currently being investigated as a vehicular homicide matter, though formal charges had not yet been announced.
The scene of the incident remained closed for several hours Sunday morning as law enforcement officers and traffic investigators worked to collect evidence. Reporters at the site observed numerous police vehicles, forensic investigators, and firefighters cleaning the area and documenting the crash scene. Officers were also seen taking measurements and reviewing security camera footage from nearby businesses.
Authorities continue to examine all available evidence to reconstruct the full sequence of events leading to the crash. The investigation will also assess whether impairment or speed may have been factors.
The Denver Police Department expressed condolences to the family and friends of Garrett Bimler, acknowledging the sudden and heartbreaking nature of his passing. Officials also thanked witnesses and first responders for their assistance in helping identify and locate the suspect quickly.
Community members have expressed their sympathy for Bimler’s loved ones, describing him as a friendly and hardworking young man. City officials reminded residents of the importance of safe and responsible driving, particularly in busy downtown areas where both vehicles and pedestrians share limited space.
As the case moves forward, investigators will await the results of laboratory tests and review findings from the crash reconstruction team before submitting a complete report to prosecutors. Updates will be provided once the Denver District Attorney’s Office determines the next steps.
