Denver Shocked by Hit-And-Run Death of Pizza Restaurant Staff Member

By Dhivya Easwarasamy Last updated Nov 23, 2023

Denver Shocked by Hit-And-Run Death of Pizza Restaurant Staff Member

Police in Denver are still looking for the driver who hit and killed a moped rider early Saturday morning in the Highlands neighborhood.

Co-owner of Blue Pan Pizza Giles Flanagin said the victim was Nick Cordova, a friend and long-time worker. He was riding his bike home from work when he was killed, Flanagin said.

“I feel awful, like having a hard time focusing and keeping everything together,” Flanagin told me. “Nick was a one-of-a-kind person with a very gracious and big heart, so I think what we want to try to do is try to remember the good things given the horrible circumstances, as hard as that is.”
“Nick cared about the team and the restaurant, in my opinion, maybe more than himself,” he stated. “He was a great friend to everyone. He was always there for everyone. I just feel so bad for my team and of course I feel so bad that my friend lost his life in that manner. It’s awful.”

The accident happened between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Saturday near the restaurant, on Speer Boulevard and Grove Street.

Uncover the Latest Denver News and Updates:

The other driver, who was in a white SUV, allegedly drove off. The driver and the car are still being sought. Blue Pan employees put together flyers to try to find the person who did it.

Flanagin said, “Without Nick, things will not be the same.” “I think knowing that the person who killed our friend could be held accountable would just provide us all with comfort.”

This holiday season, it will be hard to find comfort, but the family that runs Cordova’s restaurant hopes that answers won’t be.

“If anybody has any information at all, please call Denver Police or Crime Stoppers,” Flanagin stated. “Please report it. We’d be so grateful. “

Any Blue Pan customers who are going to go in the next few days should be kind to his staff, Flanagin asked. He said they’re having a rough time and doing their best. He did say that they would remember Cordova soon in some way.