“I told him I loved him… An hour and 15 minutes later, he was gone” Good Samaritan I-25 victim identified, family speaks

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – 11News is learning more information about those involved in the fatal crash on I-25 over Memorial Day weekend. On Tuesday, the El Paso County Coroner's Office released the name of the man who was struck and killed while trying to help those involved in the crash. His name is Joel Montalvo, a 64-year-old man from Fort Collins.

Joel's partner, Traci Bennett, contacted 11News to share her story. Traci tells us that she and Joel were together for over six years. She said Joel was always willing to help anyone in need, no matter the cost.

“I told him I loved him and I told him I'd see him again soon… An hour and 15 minutes later he was gone,” Bennett said.

Joel filled his life with family, love and a passion for helping others, even serving nearly 20 years in the United States Navy.

His life was cut short at the age of 64.

“I’m still waiting for him to come home,” Bennett said.

Traci tells 11News that Joel was returning home to Fort Collins from Arizona on Sunday.

“It was his Mother's Day vacation, he went to see her for seven days… He's done that trip 1,000 times,” Bennett said.

Sunday's ride would be his last. Traci said Joel stopped to help during the fatal crash in the middle of the highway. She added that it was something he had done before.

“We would stop and try to help. I am a nurse. My code that I live by is that if someone needs my help, I will help them. He was exactly the same way. It was one of the many things we had in common.

Another driver hit Joël as he was crossing the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Traci shares that she will never forget the selflessness that Joel showed to her and others during his life, a selflessness that he demonstrated until the end.

“It was heartbreaking. But I was so proud to know that he was willing to risk himself for another human,” Bennett said.

If you would like to help, the family has set up a GoFundMe for donations during this time. You can click on the link to learn more.

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