The Boulder County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identities of two people who were killed on Wednesday on U.S. 36 between Boulder and Lyons.

Christina Gilson, 43, and Joshua Gilson, 43, of Castle Rock, were killed at about 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday in a rollover crash on U.S. 36 at Lefthand Canyon Drive. The pair, who were in the car with two of their children, drove through the center grass median before rolling and coming to rest in the southbound lanes of U.S. 36.

Colorado State Patrol officials said investigators believe that the driver, Joshua Gilson, fell asleep at the wheel. State patrol officials also said that Christina Gilson was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The couple’s dog, who was also in the vehicle, was transported to the vet and put down due to the extent of injuries.

The two children, 16 and 11, were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

Christina and Josh Gilson, also known as therubistina on Instagram, were social media influencers who were quite well-known in the offroad community and often showcased their cross-country adventures in their Jeeps.

John Franchuk, a Grand Junction resident and fellow Jeep enthusiast, first met the Gilson family at an offroad event in western Colorado in June of 2022.

“The second I met them, they had a QR code on the back of their jeep, and it kept bringing up their Instagram page,” said Franchuk. “That’s how the conversation opened up and we hung out for the rest of the day … His two kids that were in the car when they passed away hung out with my daughter, and they went around and got swag from other vendors.”

Franchuk described both Josh and Christina Gilson as jubilant and caring people.

“They were always upbeat and had a smile on their face. They were passionate about the offroad community; they’re super awesome parents. It didn’t matter if you were in the offroad community for 10 years or 10 minutes, they would treat you the same,” said Franchuk.

Franchuk also said that the two children Josh Jr. and Kaylee are staying with nearby family.

“They have family nearby. I don’t know how the kids are actually doing. We ask how they are and they say, ‘We’re doing the best we can.’”

When asked how he’s been faring since hearing the news, Franchuk said he’s still astounded.

“I’m still in shock,” said Franchuk. “I lost my parents, so I feel for them and the things they are going to have to do without their parents. It brings up an open wound that I had when I was their age.”

Franchuk said that although he’s heartbroken about the deaths, he has fond memories of the couple.

“Josh and I had this weird relationship, whenever we got around each other we would act like 10-year-olds … They were influential to my growth on social media. I looked up to those guys because they knew what they were doing,” said Franchuk. “They’re good people and those always seem to go first … When we were together, it seemed like we’d been friends for 50 years.”

In an Instagram post on New Year’s Day, Christina and Josh Gilson’s children updated their followers about the crash.

“We decided to started off (sic) our 2025 by going to trail with some friends,” the post reads. “On our way there, we got in an accident, and both of my parents suffered from fatal injuries. Kaylee and I are ok but please keep us in your prayers. RIP mom and dad, I love you guys. You will be missed.”