Canadian Motorcyclist Dies in Accident Near Afton

Obscured turn signals and brake lights are being investigated as contributing factors in a fatal crash on Saturday south of Afton, Wyoming on US 89. The crash happened about 3.5 miles south of Afton on US 89 at 2:50 p.m.

45 year old Craig E. Shymko of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, was travelling south on a motorcycle. 48 year old Kevin Cox of Afton, Wyoming was also traveling south in a pickup truck and signaling his left turn onto county road 174. The turn signals and brake lights on the truck were covered in dry mud. As Mr. Shymko began to pass the truck, he realized the driver was turning. Mr. Shymko applied hard front and rear brakes and then laid the motorcycle down on the right side. The two vehicles collided, Mr. Shymko came off of the motorcycle and was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

An obstructed turn signal and brake lights on the truck along with glaring sunlight are considered contributing factors in this crash. Mr. Cox was taken to the Star Valley Medical Center due to a possible medical condition, but had no physical injuries. Mr. Shymko was taken by helicopter ambulance to two separate medical facilities in Idaho and Utah, but ultimately died. Once the investigation is completed, the report will be given to the Lincoln County Attorney for disposition.

With the muddy off-road driving that comes during the current hunting season and winter weather becoming more frequent by the day, the Wyoming Highway Patrol wants to remind everyone the importance of cleaning the mud and snow off all lights on their vehicles. Something else to remember is that newer vehicles utilizing LED lights do not get hot and subsequently do not melt built up snow and ice like older lights with conventional bulbs.