
Formerly paralyzed Aurora teen walks in a 5K race
Saturday he hosted "Nobles 5K" to raise money for his continued rehabilitation
Watch CBS News
Michael Abeyta is a proud 4th generation Coloradan, born and raised in Colorado Springs. He graduated from William J. Palmer High School in downtown Colorado Springs. After graduation, he went to college, first at the University of Colorado in Boulder, then to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
When he graduated from "The U", Michael was homesick for the Rockies and moved back West. Michael's first job was as a News Photographer and Editor in Albuquerque, NM at KOAT-TV. He covered news there for five years before packing up and heading home to Colorado. Michael had the opportunity to sharpen his photography and editing skills as a Photojournalist for another local Denver TV station before joining CBS News Colorado as a Photojournalist in the fall of 2013. In 2018 Michael transitioned from a Photojournalist to a Multi-Media Journalist. The change allows him to exercise his writing skills and tell stories the way he likes to tell them.
Michael has loved watching the news since he was a little boy and enjoys every minute of his job. He likes telling his neighbors' stories. In 2011 he won his first National Press Photographers Association TV Quarterly Clip Contest certificate when he received "Honorable Mention" in the "West Top Spot News" category for 3rd quarter.
He continues to compete in the NPPA TV Quarterly Clip Contest, placing second three times in 2013. Twice in the "West General Spot" category and once in the "West General Deadline" category.
Family is a huge part of Michael's life because he has a large one; a brother, two sisters, and too many cousins to count. When he isn't shooting the news, Michael can be found running the local trails with his wife Kimberly, visiting with his mom and sisters, eating breakfast with his dad, or hiking with his three dogs Trip, Callie and Bella.
Just The Facts
• Most memorable interview: Matt Stone and Trey Parker because I made Trey Parker laugh.
• First story: A snowstorm in Albuquerque, NM
• Role models: My parents, Henry and Sheila, my grandparents Ed and Lydia Baca, and Cesar Chavez
• Why I am a journalist: To tell stories
• Hometown: Colorado Springs
• Number of siblings: Three blood siblings Andrew, Erica, and Gabriela. I also have a sister-in-law Yvonne, nephew Enrique and niece Lorena. Plus my "brother from another mother" Matt, his wife Angelina, and their three lovely daughters
• Hobbies: Running, hiking, and camping
• Favorite sports team: Denver Broncos
• Favorite musician: Common
You can contact Michael by sending an email to yourreporter@cbs.com.
Saturday he hosted "Nobles 5K" to raise money for his continued rehabilitation
Victor Fallon's car was run off the road and landed in Cherry Creek. Now he wants help finding the person who hit him.
The Wildflower Condominiums is the only multi-family community in Louisville that was affected by the Marshall Fire, so getting the permits needed and builders lined up was a huge challenge but now that's all taken care of and soon thirty families will have their homes back.
Noble Haskell was injured in a car accident and lost all mobility, but he is determined to run again.
Wednesday the City of Denver recommitted to Vision Zero, but Cindy Stepp says she thinks it will take more than infrastructure and studies to prevent another death.
Mark Stallins spends two days walking from grave to grave playing taps for every fallen soldier, sailor, Marine or airman.
"Woodstock" is a robot that helps workers at bb.q Chicken in Aurora delivers orders to tables.
Teacher Zach Kennelly is teaching his students using his newest tool. Magicschool.ai. It's an online program that uses artificial intelligence to help teachers and their students.
The only connecting road between the east and west sides of the park will be closed for an extended period.
Faith leaders say in these times it is more important than ever to teach faith leaders how to protect their followers.
Race officials say they hope the smoke will clear out by Sunday morning but if not, race will go on despite any lingering smoky conditions.
Luis's family can't understand how the teen became the victim of gun violence right outside of East High School as they plan to sue to get answers.
Residents of the Shadow Tree apartment complex they are in need after a fire tore through the building and took their homes from them
All charges were dropped against Courtney and Nicole Mallery. According to their lawyer, prosecutors could not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Colorado rafting companies are looking forward to a fruitful season, thanks to a wet winter and spring.