Palisade, Colorado – A tragic incident unfolded in Mesa County when an explosion at an apartment complex led to the death of a teenager. The suspect believed to be responsible for the explosion, Andrew Alderman, was found dead near Leadville earlier this month.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified 29-year-old Andrew Alderman in his vehicle at Twin Lakes on April 5. It was revealed that Alderman rented an apartment at the complex where the explosion originated. The explosion resulted in the death of 18-year-old Kloey Weythman, a resident of Palisade.
Authorities were dispatched to Iowa Avenue after a large explosion was reported on April 5. Firefighters arrived to find the building engulfed in flames, with crews facing heavy fire conditions due to the quick spread of the fire through the old construction.
After an investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant in Alderman’s apartment. Disturbing videos posted on Alderman’s social media further implicated him in the incident.
The explosion was attributed to a high volume of vapors from the accelerant in the apartment. Law enforcement ruled out other possible causes such as a bomb or drug lab, with lab results awaited to determine the exact accelerant used.
Efforts to locate Alderman led authorities to the Leadville area, where they found his vehicle near Twin Lakes. A non-lethal chemical agent was deployed to force him out of the vehicle, where he was found dead in what appeared to be a self-inflicted manner.
While the motive behind the incident remains unclear, authorities continue their investigation. Displaced residents have been provided temporary housing, and support efforts are underway for the victims of the tragic event.