FRUITA, Colo. — A tight knit community of off road enthusiasts is reeling after a beloved member was critically injured in a bizarre and devastating accident on Interstate 70. Kyle Freud, known to thousands online as “PlaidWagon,” remains hospitalized after his vehicle struck a horse on the highway early Sunday morning.1 The incident has sparked a massive wave of support from friends, family, and strangers alike.
Midnight Chaos on Interstate 70
The accident occurred under the cover of darkness around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 8. According to reports from the Colorado State Patrol, a horse had wandered onto the eastbound lanes of I-70 near milepost 22, just outside Fruita. In a terrifying sequence of events, two vehicles struck the animal.
Kyle Freud was behind the wheel of his Toyota Land Cruiser when the collision happened. The impact was severe. His vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to a rest on its roof. Emergency responders rushed to the scene where they found Freud trapped inside the wreckage. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries.
A second vehicle, a Ford F-250 driven by a 17 year old from Peyton, also struck the horse. Fortunately, that driver escaped without injury. Authorities confirmed the horse did not survive the impact. The interstate remained closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the debris and investigate how the livestock accessed the high speed roadway.
Key Facts About the Accident:
- Date & Time: Sunday, February 8, approx. 1:30 a.m.
- Location: I-70 Eastbound, Milepost 22 near Fruita, CO.
- Vehicles Involved: Toyota Land Cruiser (Freud) and Ford F-250.
- Cause: Loose horse on the interstate.
- Status: Freud hospitalized; other driver uninjured.
The Man Behind PlaidWagon
To the responding officers, Kyle Freud was a crash victim. But to the thousands of people in the Colorado off road scene, he is a pillar of the community. Freud operates under the handle “PlaidWagon” on social media, where he shares his passion for Land Cruisers and public land advocacy.
He is an active member of several prominent groups, including the Bookcliff Cruisers, Cruise Moab, and the Rising Sun 4WD Club. Friends describe him as the first person to offer help on the trail and a dedicated advocate for responsible recreation.
Seena Miremadi, a close friend who has known Freud for five years, drove past the crash site Sunday morning. He had no idea at the time that the wreckage belonged to his friend.
“It was not a fun moment because of the person Kyle is,” Miremadi said. “I immediately thought of his kids and his wife. Kyle is an amazing father and an incredible husband.The relationship he has with his large family and his wife is one of my favorite things about him.”
Freud’s influence extends beyond just mechanics and trail runs. He is known for his generosity and genuine spirit. Whether helping a stranger fix a breakdown on a remote trail or organizing charity events, community members say he embodies the best aspects of the off road culture.
A Long and Difficult Recovery
The crash has left Freud with a long road to recovery. His beloved Land Cruiser, a vehicle he poured countless hours into building, is totaled. However, the physical toll is far more significant.
Freud’s wife, Jessica, provided a heartbreaking update on his condition earlier this week. While he is showing signs of improvement, the journey is just beginning.
“He is significantly more alert and awake than he has been since the accident,” Jessica wrote on February 10. She also revealed that Freud is suffering from Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA) and has absolutely no memory of the crash itself.
Doctors have scheduled multiple procedures to address his injuries, including a surgery on his hand set for Thursday, February 12. The medical team is monitoring him closely as he stabilizes. The trauma of the rollover and the severity of his injuries mean rehabilitation will likely take months.
Immediate Challenges for the Freud Family:
- Medical Surgeries: Multiple operations required, starting with hand surgery.
- Memory Loss: Battling Post Traumatic Amnesia regarding the event.
- Financial Strain: Loss of income and mounting hospital bills.
- Family Support: Caring for their children while Kyle is hospitalized.
An Outpouring of Support
In the face of this tragedy, the off road community has mobilized with incredible speed. Seena Miremadi launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist the Freud family with medical bills, lost wages, and physical therapy costs.
“I don’t want Kyle to be having four surgeries this week and be stressed that he won’t make bills or he won’t be able to pay for anything for his kids,” Miremadi explained.
The response was immediate. By Tuesday night, the fundraiser had already surpassed $17,000, with donations pouring in from fellow off roaders, social media followers, and local residents. The comment section of the fundraiser is filled with messages of hope and solidarity, proving the impact Freud has had on those around him.
Miremadi plans to visit his friend soon and hopes to deliver a message of encouragement from the entire community.
“Everybody loves you, Kyle,” Miremadi said, addressing his friend directly. “Everyone is supporting you. They are thinking about you. They are praying for you, for you and your family and kids. And when you get healthy, I is really looking forward to going to Cruises on the Rockies or Moab with you.”
As investigations into the livestock accident continue, the focus for the Freud family remains on healing. The support from the “PlaidWagon” community serves as a powerful reminder that even on the darkest roads, no one has to drive alone.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about the horse to contact the Colorado State Patrol. In the meantime, the community continues to share the fundraiser and keep the Freud family in their thoughts.
What are your thoughts on safety measures for livestock near interstate highways? Share your support for Kyle and his family in the comments below using the hashtag #PlaidWagonStrong to help spread the word.
