A tragic automobile accident near the Wyoming-Colorado border resulted in the deaths of three teenage members of the University of Wyoming swimming and diving team.
The deceased have been identified as 21-year-old junior Luke Slabber from Cape Town, South Africa; 19-year-old sophomore Charlie Clark from Las Vegas; and 18-year-old freshman Carson Muir from Birmingham, Alabama.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Red Mountain Road and U.S. Highway 287, situated between Livermore and Virginia Dale, Colorado.
Preliminary reports suggest that the driver’s erratic maneuvering led to the vehicle leaving the roadway and rolling over several times. The Colorado State Patrol announced on Friday that an investigation is underway, and all potential factors, including speed, intoxication, and other distractions, remain under consideration as possible contributors to this tragic event. Two additional members of the men’s swimming and diving team sustained minor injuries and have since been released from the hospital. Notably, one of the survivors was behind the wheel at the time of the accident, which took place shortly before 2:45 p.m.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the vehicle, a Toyota RAV4 carrying five individuals, drifted out of the southbound lane and rolled multiple times, resulting in the ejection of two passengers. The investigation into the specifics of the accident is ongoing.
It is important to clarify that although all victims were part of the university’s swimming team, they were not engaged in any official university activities at the time of the incident.
Ed Seidel, president of the University of Wyoming, expressed that words cannot adequately convey the profound sorrow experienced by the university, the state, and the broader student-athlete community. Tom Burman, the director of athletics, extended his condolences and recognized the difficulty of losing members of the University of Wyoming family. He emphasized that counseling services are available for student-athletes and coaches during this challenging period.
As the community mourns this significant loss, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon also expressed his condolences.This tragic event highlights the delicate nature of life and the unforeseen circumstances surrounding devastating accidents. The University of Wyoming, along with the state and the broader community, will certainly unite to provide support for one another as they navigate this challenging period, honoring the young lives that were lost in this heartbreaking incident.
