EL PASO COUNTY — The mother of Zach Sabin is speaking out about the death of her son back in March. “So you can remember who he was and not how he died,” said Zach’s mom, Angela Tuetken.
A coroner’s report released this week, says he died from water intoxication. His father and step-mother face murder and child abuse charges and just turned themselves in to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Zach was an eleven year who loved the outdoors and naturally brought joy to others. " He had such a great personality filled with humor. Always trying to make people smile and laugh," said Tuetken.
She calls him her cuddle bug. He was a kid who loved animals and wanted to be a zoologist or veterinarian. Chicken nuggets were his favorite. "Zach would stay up late at night reading underneath his blanket." He played video games, but he really loved a good book. The family is still processing the information now available after the arrests in connection to Zachary’s death. They praise the work of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. "Don't let his story fill you with anger or hatred,” said Zachary’s step-dad, Matthew Tuetken, “Instead take a moment and hug your kids, keep them close to you, and most importantly, if you are a struggling parent, don't be afraid to ask for help."
The example of their son is helping the family through the tragedy. "It is the love that Zachary taught us during his brief time here," said Matthew Tuetken.
His attributes of love are also part of unimagined loss. “Our lives changed forever,” said his mom, "I will never be able to cuddle my Zacharoni every again. I will miss my Zach-attacks sweet nature. I will never be able to hear his contagious laugh. This is by the hardest thing I've ever had to endure in my life."
