Conifer Mourns Beloved Food Truck Owners Killed in Tragic Wrong-Way Crash
The town of Conifer is grieving the sudden loss of Michael and Debbie Carman, the beloved couple behind The Abide Ride burrito food truck, who were killed in a wrong-way crash early Monday morning on Highway 285. The Carmans were en route to Denver to pick up supplies when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle. Michael was pronounced dead shortly after, and Debbie passed away from her injuries two days later with their only son, Austin, by her side.
The Carmans launched their food truck business in 2018 and quickly became a cherished part of the local community. Flowers and heartfelt notes now surround the parked truck on Conifer Road, honoring the couple’s warm spirit and dedication to their neighbors. One note reads, “Debbie and Mike, we will always love you and keep you in our hearts.”
Longtime family friend Sam Norman, who grew up with Austin, said Debbie was the kind of person who remembered every face and story. “She treated me like her own son from day one,” he shared. “If you told her once that your kid was sick, she’d ask how they were doing a month later.”
Michael, a skilled general contractor, was known for his tireless work ethic—on the job site before sunrise and still present for his family each night. “If something needed fixing, Mike could do it,” Norman said. “And no matter how hard the day was, he was always there for his family.”
The Carmans were known not just for their food but for the way they connected with people—offering warmth, familiarity, and comfort through every breakfast burrito and friendly smile.
Though there is no official date for reopening, Austin hopes to continue the food truck to honor his parents’ legacy of love, hard work, and community.
