Several families in Wyoming are grieving the loss of three University of Wyoming student athlete swimmers who tragically lost their lives in a highway crash in Colorado. Carson Muir, Charlie Clark, and Luke Slabber, all members of the university’s swim team, were killed in the crash along Highway 287 north of Fort Collins.
The news of the fatal crash has sent shockwaves through the university community, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support. The accident occurred just before 2:45 pm on Thursday when the Toyota Rav4 carrying the students veered off the road while traveling southbound toward Fort Collins. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle swerved to avoid a slowing car.
The Colorado State Patrol stated that no factors, such as speed or distractions, have been ruled out as the cause of the crash. Two other members of the men’s swimming and diving team, one of whom was driving the vehicle, were involved in the crash but suffered non-life-threatening injuries and have been released from the hospital.
Jace Smith, a graduate student at the university, expressed the community’s sorrow, especially as the students prepared to welcome the women’s swim team back from Texas. He described the event as “horrible” and emphasized the outpouring of support for the swim team.
Wyoming Athletic Director Tom Burman issued a statement urging support for the families of the late students. “Please pray for these families as they will need as much support as possible. We use the One Wyoming slogan in our building, and it means – we are one State and supporting our Cowboys and Cowgirls – please live it!” his statement read.
The University of Wyoming community is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the families of the students as they navigate this difficult time.