In the quiet neighborhood of Old Colorado City, a welfare check on a Sunday morning unveiled a heart-wrenching tragedy. On February 2, 2025, officers from the Colorado Springs Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of North 19th Street. Inside the home, they discovered the bodies of two individuals, a man and a woman, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
The woman was identified as 40-year-old Vanessa Whyte.
Described by loved ones as a selfless, strong, and funny woman who wore her heart on her sleeve, Vanessa was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her presence was said to light up any room, and her kind heart was a source of help for those who needed it most. Her death marked the seventh homicide in Colorado Springs in 2025.
The man found alongside her was 37-year-old Bryan Severin. While the El Paso County Coroner's Office is tasked with determining the official cause of death for both individuals, law enforcement officials have stated that they are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. They are treating Vanessa Whyte's death as a homicide and Bryan Severin's death as a suicide, making him the sole suspect in her tragic passing.
In the wake of this devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign was established to provide support to Vanessa's grieving family and help with the unexpected financial burdens. The community has rallied around her loved ones, offering condolences and contributions to honor the memory of a woman who was cherished by many.
