“Denver News Recap 2023: Denver Mayoral Race, Death of Alexa Bartell, Ryan Partridge Settlement, and More”

By | December 30, 2023

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : DENVER — As we bid farewell to the eventful year of 2023, it’s time to reflect on the biggest news stories that unfolded in the vibrant city of Denver. From mayoral races to tragic incidents, here are the top seven stories that captivated the attention of denver7.com readers.

1. Denver’s Mayoral Race: The year kicked off with an intense battle to replace term-limited Mayor Michael Hancock. A total of seventeen candidates vied for the coveted position, each bringing their unique vision for Denver’s future. After a riveting campaign, former educator and state senator Mike Johnston emerged victorious in June, defeating his formidable opponent Kelly Brough. (Headline: “Denver’s Mayoral Race: Mike Johnston Claims Victory in Historic Election”)

2. Death of Alexa Bartell: In a heartbreaking incident that shook the community, three 18-year-olds were arrested for allegedly throwing a rock at a car in Jefferson County, resulting in the tragic death of 20-year-old driver Alexa Bartell. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the case, unraveling the events that led to this devastating loss. (Headline: “Tragic Death of Alexa Bartell: Investigation Unveils Details Surrounding Fatal Incident”)

3. Ryan Partridge’s Settlement with Boulder County: In a landmark legal case, Ryan Partridge, who gouged his eyes out during a mental health crisis while incarcerated at the Boulder County Jail in 2016, reached a significant settlement of $2.55 million with the county. The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the jail authorities, claiming that they failed to provide adequate mental health care, ultimately leading to the tragic incident. (Headline: “Mental Health Crisis Lawsuit: Ryan Partridge Reaches Settlement with Boulder County”)

4. Longmont Toy Store’s Ordeal: A heartwarming tale turned sour when a man purchased the entire inventory of Longmont’s St. Nix Collectibles, Toys & Antiques for a toy drive using a check worth $56,000. However, the check bounced, leaving the store owners in a dire situation with no funds and empty shelves. Despite the setback, the community rallied together, providing overwhelming support, and the store managed to reopen in May at a new location. (Headline: “Longmont Toy Store’s Resilience: Community Support Revives Business After Bad Check Incident”)

5. Denver Nuggets’ NBA Championship Triumph: In a historic moment for sports enthusiasts in Denver, the city celebrated as the Denver Nuggets clinched their first-ever NBA championship. Led by the exceptional talents of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the team triumphed over the Miami Heat in a thrilling Game 5 of the championship series. The city erupted in joyous celebrations, with a grand parade and rally held downtown to honor the victorious team. (Headline: “Denver Nuggets Make History: City Celebrates First NBA Championship Win”)

6. Hailstorm Wreaks Havoc at Red Rocks: A summer concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater took a tumultuous turn when a severe hailstorm battered concertgoers in June. The unexpected weather event resulted in several injuries, with seven individuals requiring hospitalization and dozens more seeking medical attention for cuts and broken bones. Despite the unfortunate incident, the resilience of the community shone through as they came together to support those affected. (Headline: “Red Rocks Hailstorm Chaos: Concertgoers Injured as Severe Weather Strikes”)

7. Shooting Incident at East High School: Denver’s East High School experienced a horrifying incident in March when two deans were shot, sparking a crucial discussion on school safety. The incident prompted Denver Public Schools to reintroduce school resource officers, aiming to enhance security measures and ensure the well-being of students. The suspect, a 17-year-old student, was later found deceased in Park County. (Headline: “East High School Shooting: Safety Measures Reinforced After Tragic Incident”)

Bonus: Casa Bonita’s Rebirth: In a delightful turn of events, Denver’s beloved Casa Bonita made a triumphant return after a period of closure. Acquired by “South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker for $3 million, the iconic establishment underwent renovations, including the hiring of a new chef and the revival of the famous cliff divers. The community rejoiced as Casa Bonita reopened its doors, albeit on a limited basis, in the summer. (Headline: “Casa Bonita’s Long-Awaited Comeback: Iconic Lakewood Restaurant Returns to Delight Fans”)

Bonus Bonus: Taylor Swift Rocks Empower Field: Denver experienced an unforgettable musical extravaganza as global superstar Taylor Swift graced the stage at Empower Field at Mile High for two electrifying nights. Drawing massive crowds of devoted fans, the concerts injected a staggering $140 million into the local economy and created an abundance of cherished memories, symbolized by the proliferation of friendship bracelets. (Headline: “Taylor Swift’s Spectacular Shows: Denver Enthralled by Unforgettable Concert Experience”)

As we reflect on the memorable moments and significant events that shaped Denver in 2023, Denver7 extends its gratitude to the community for their unwavering support. We invite you to reach out to us using the contact form below to share any stories, topics, or issues you would like us to revisit and follow up on. Thank you for being a part of our journey!.