Heartbreak Near Wyoming-Colorado Border: Three University of Wyoming Athletes Killed in Tragic Crash
A devastating car accident near the Wyoming-Colorado border has claimed the lives of three young members of the University of Wyoming’s swimming and diving team.
The victims were identified as freshman Carson Muir, 18, of Birmingham, Alabama; sophomore Charlie Clark, 19, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and junior Luke Slabber, 21, of Cape Town, South Africa.
The tragic incident occurred at the intersection of Red Mountain Road and U.S. Highway 287, between Livermore and Virginia Dale, Colorado. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle left the roadway and rolled multiple times after the driver made a sharp swerve.
Authorities from the Colorado State Patrol stated that while the investigation remains ongoing, no potential contributing factors—such as speed, impairment, or driver distraction—have yet been ruled out.
The University of Wyoming and the broader community are mourning the unimaginable loss of these promising young lives.
University of Wyoming Mourns Profound Loss After Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Three Student-Athletes
A tragic vehicle accident near the Wyoming-Colorado border has left the University of Wyoming community heartbroken, as three members of the men’s swimming and diving team lost their lives. Two additional teammates sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released from the hospital.
The crash occurred just before 2:45 p.m. when the vehicle—identified as a Toyota RAV4 carrying five team members—veered off the southbound lane of U.S. Highway 287, near Red Mountain Road between Livermore and Virginia Dale, Colorado. The vehicle rolled several times, ejecting two occupants in the process. One of the survivors, who was behind the wheel, was driving at the time of the crash.
Authorities from the Colorado State Patrol are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. While initial findings indicate the car swerved off the road, investigators have not ruled out any contributing factors, including speed, impairment, or distractions.
The university has confirmed that although all five individuals involved were part of the swimming and diving team, the group was not traveling for official school business when the incident occurred.
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel responded to the tragedy, saying no words can fully express the pain and grief felt across the university, the state, and the broader student-athlete community.
Athletics Director Tom Burman echoed the sentiment, calling the loss an unimaginable blow to the Wyoming athletics family. He encouraged students and staff to take advantage of available counseling services as they begin to process this tragedy.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon also expressed their deep condolences, urging the community to surround the victims’ families, friends, and loved ones with support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the suddenness with which it can change. As we mourn the loss of these bright, young lives, the University of Wyoming, the state of Wyoming, and the greater community will undoubtedly come together—bound by grief, compassion, and shared sorrow. In honoring their memory, we find strength in unity, and in supporting one another, we begin the long path toward healing.