3 University of Wyoming Student-Athletes Killed, 2 Injured in Crash on U.S. 287
Three members of the University of Wyoming swimming and diving team were killed and two male members injured in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 287 Thursday afternoon, the college says.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the crash happened at the intersection of U.S. 287 and Red Mountain Road between Livermore and Virginia Dale, about 10 miles south of the Colorado-Wyoming border.
"Initial indications are that the driver swerved and the vehicle went off the road, rolling multiple times," UW said in a news release Thursday night.
The names of the student-athletes are being withheld pending next of kin notification.
'We Are Heartsick,' UW President Says of Loss of Student-Athletes
"We are heartsick at the news of this terrible tragedy for our university, our state, our student-athlete community, and, most importantly, the families and friends of these young people," said UW President Ed Seidel. "Words are insufficient to express our sadness."
"My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families, and friends,” said UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman.
"It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes," Burman added. "We have counseling services available to our student-athletes and coaches in our time of need."
UW Athletics is making counseling resources available for its student-athletes and staff through:
- Interim Director of Student-Athlete Well-Being, Rachel Amity
- Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Well-Being, Tedder Easton
Other UW students in need of support are encouraged to call the University Counseling Center at 307-766-2187.
The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students can also call an after-hours crisis counselor at 307-766-8989.
The Dean of Students Office, 307-766-3296, is available for any well-being support or academic assistance students may need.
And UW employees may seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program, specifically MINES & Associates, at 1-800-873-7138.
Tragedy Strikes Again on U.S. 287
Thursday's fatal crash comes roughly 22 years and five months after eight members of the UW cross-country team were killed in a head-on crash on U.S. 287.
UPDATE: University of Wyoming Student-Athletes Killed in Crash on U.S. 287 Identified
READ MORE: 21-Year-Olds and Their Baby Killed in Head-On Crash Near Laramie
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