In the summer of 2011, a senseless act of violence cut short the life of 16-year-old Aaron William Fix, a Caucasian male, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On the evening of July 27th, Aaron, his 19-year-old brother Wayne Fix, and their friend Austin Howse were victims of a triple shooting on Mira Loma Circle. The tragic event was the result of a road rage incident, a brief moment of anger that escalated into a devastating loss for three families and the wider community.
Aaron was a student
at Palmer High School, looking forward to his junior year. He had dreams of joining the Air Force after graduation and then becoming a fireman, a testament to his desire to serve his country and community. Described by friends and family as having the kindest heart, Aaron was known for his willingness to stand up for his friends. He was a beloved son, brother, and uncle who cherished his family and enjoyed spending his time with those he loved. His interests were typical of a teenage boy and included riding dirt bikes, racing remote control cars, and playing video games, football, and baseball.
The man responsible for the deaths of Aaron, his brother, and their friend was identified as Michael Arangio. According to police, Arangio did not know the three teenagers. Overwhelmed by what he had done, Arangio took his own life three days after the shooting. Because of his suicide, there were no arrests or a trial, leaving the families of the victims to navigate their profound grief without the closure of legal proceedings.
Hundreds of people gathered to mourn the loss of Aaron and his brother Wayne at a memorial service held at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church. The ceremony included an outdoor balloon release, a poignant symbol of the many lives the two young men had touched in their short time. The community was left to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of three of its young members, a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of a fleeting moment of rage.
