Authorities Tuesday released the names of the three men who died Friday in a devastating Green River, Wyoming, tunnel collision involving 26 vehicles.
They were Christopher Johnson, 20 of Rawlins; Quentin Romero, 22 of Rawlins; and Harmanjeet Singh, 30 of Nova Scotia, Canada, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
“Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the community of Rawlins and to the families, friends, and loved ones of all three of these individuals,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby in the statement.
Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County treated 18 injuries from the crash.
One woman remained hospitalized as of Monday evening, Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Roascio confirmed to Cowboy State Daily in a text message.
Wyoming Highway Patrol is working with crash reconstructions and off-scene investigations. WHP Col. Tim Cameron thanked the public for its patience while the agency compiles “a crash narrative and cause that is as accurate as possible.”
DeBernardi Construction, which is contracting with WYDOT, has been working to prepare the adjacent, eastbound tunnel for two-way traffic. For now, an extra 18,000 vehicles per day are being routed through the town of Green River, leaving it congested and giving authorities worries about water infrastructure under the bypass road, Flaming Gorge Way.
Originally, Westby had estimated the eastbound tunnel would be ready by about Wednesday. WYDOT’s most recent statement gives an estimate of Thursday.
WYDOT is also starting the process of soliciting contractors to clean debris and soot in the westbound tunnel, which the statement calls the first step in the long process of restoring it to normal operations.
“It is imperative that folks stay away from the westbound tunnel for their safety,” Cameron said. “Between the debris that could still fall and serious concerns about the air quality in the tunnel, it’s too dangerous for anyone without proper protective equipment and training to be in the area. We do not want to add any more injuries as a result of this horrible event.”
In Memory
Romero graduated from Rawlins High School in 2020, his obituary says, adding that he excelled at football, basketball and indoor track.
He continued his education at Laramie County Community College and the University of Wyoming while enlisted in the Wyoming National Guard. He received the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon. He was also a fire control specialist and attended basic combat training, the obituary says.
The Wyoming National Guard released a statement of condolences Tuesday, saying Romero “will be deeply missed,” and inviting mourners to a Feb. 22 service in his memory at the Jeffrey Center In Rawlins at 11 a.m.
Romero worked at HF Sinclair as an operator, his obituary continues.
“Quentin was the best son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend,” it says. “He would light up the room with his contagious, charming smile that was attached to his quick-witted personality.”
‘Far Too Soon’
Johnson’s obituary describes him as “a beacon of joy and enthusiasm” who died “too soon.”
“Those who knew him will forever remember his infectious smile, animated personality, and profound kindness,” says his obituary.
He graduated from Rawlins High School in 2022 and had played varsity football, basketball, soccer, and wrestling while earning top grades.
He became a major Esports College Athlete during his year at LCCC, where he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice, says his obituary.
The obituary says he was an operator at HF Sinclair; and loved nature, his friends and loved ones, the outdoors and fishing.
Cowboy State Daily had not found an obituary for Singh as of publication time.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
