The University of Wyoming is mourning the sudden death of an international student-athlete who died in a car crash near Douglas this week.
Nathan Reid, who would have started his senior year at UW in August, died about 5 a.m. Monday when he apparently fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his car on U.S. Highway 18/20, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reports.
The tragic crash has devastated the UW track and field community, said Paul Barrett, a coach for the team.
“We’re all heartbroken,” Barrett, who coaches strength and the throwing events for UW track and field, told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday.
“Nathan was beloved not only by the Athletics Department, but everyone on campus. He was well-known, outgoing and super friendly," he said.
Reid came to Wyoming from Kingston, Jamacia, as part of the Class of 2024, majoring in mechanical engineering.
As part of the Cowboys’ team, Reid threw the discus and shot put, earning Honorable Mention All-America for the 2021-22 season, placing 23rd in the discus at the NCAA Championships.
Barrett said the team has met since Reid’s death and are “obviously struggling,” but found solace in discussing Reid’s “many great qualities” among themselves.
He said they will never forget their teammate and friend.
“We think the best thing we can do is keep living on in his honor,” Barrett said.
The University of Wyoming has made several counselors available to students and staff.
Reid is survived by his parents, Dalton and Icolin Reid.
What Happened
The WHP reports Reid was driving alone on U.S. Highway 18/20 near Orin Junction and south of Douglas early Monday with the crash happened.
It’s believed Reid swerved off the highway unintentionally, possibly because he fell asleep at the wheel. As he attempted to get back on the highway, he overcorrected, according to the WHP. His vehicle flipped and rolled multiple times, even going through the right of way fence.
When the vehicle came to a rest, Reid crawled out of the driver's seat through the windshield, but had died at the scene before first responders could reach him.
Driver fatigue is the main factor in the crash, the WHP reports, adding that he was wearing his seat belt at the time.
