Three University Of Wyoming Swimmers Dead In Single-Car Crash In Colorado

UPDATED: UW Identifies Names Of Deceased

Childhood Coaches Mourn Swimmers After Crash

Three members of the University of Wyoming swimming and diving team died in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 287 Thursday afternoon, about 10 miles south of the Wyoming-Colorado border, the university reports.

UW announced in a Thursday evening statement that it is not releasing the names of the deceased until next of kin are notified.

Two other members of the men’s swimming and diving team were injured in the crash. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the statement says.

The crash happened between Livermore and Virginia Dale, Colorado, at the intersection of Highway 287 and Red Mountain Road, according to reports from the Colorado State Patrol.

Initial indications are that the driver swerved and the vehicle went off the road, rolling multiple times. UW says the accident is under investigation.

“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,” UW President Ed Seidel said in the statement. “Words are insufficient to express our sadness.”

UW Director of Athletics Tom Burman extended his thoughts and prayers to the swimming and diving student athletes, their coaches, families and friends.

“It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes,” said Burman. “We have counseling services available to our student-athletes and coaches in our time of need.”

Governor’s Message

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon called the deaths heartbreaking, in a Thursday evening statement.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of three University of Wyoming student athletes,” wrote Gordon. “Jennie and I join the entire university community and all of Wyoming in mourning this loss, and we ask you to keep their families, friends and loved ones close to your hearts during this difficult time.”

Wyoming House Speaker Rep. Albert Sommers, R-Pinedale, announced the fatalities at the end of the floor session Thursday.

"So as you do your prayers now and later, think of those folks and their families and how many young people that highway has taken from us over the course of time," said Sommers. "Give them your prayers."

Two Decades Earlier

Gordon in 2021 traveled to Gillette to participate in a memorial for eight UW athletes killed by a drunk driver 20 years earlier - also on U.S. Highway 287.

His son wrestled against one of the youths, 19-year-old Douglas man Shane Shatto. "Obviously, my heart has been heavy today with that loss," Gordon said at the time.