A 75-year-old man died Sunday after his 2013 Chevy Cruze plunged into the waters of Wheatland Reservoir No. 1, according to authorities.
At 9:19 a.m., the man was driving at a high rate of speed south on Wyoming Route 310 when his vehicle left the road, went airborne for about 90 feet, struck the shore, and then entered the reservoir, where it submerged beneath about 14 feet of water, Wyoming Highway Patrol spokesman Aaron Brown said Monday.
The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin. WHP investigators are interviewing witnesses and others to determine the cause of the crash, said Brown.
The fatal crash was witnessed by a fisherman who notified the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, Undersheriff Ward McConahay said.
“He heard commotion and watched the car drive off into the water and go under,” said McConahay, adding that when sheriff’s office personnel arrived, the car was not visible.
Live sonar, which is an advanced technology that provides real-time, high-resolution video of fish, structure, and lures beneath the water, was used to pinpoint the vehicle’s location.
Body Recovered
Divers from the Albany County Sheriff's Office and Torrington Fire Department entered the water around 12:42 p.m. Sunday and located the Cruise about two hours later.
Four divers from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office were deployed, said Sheriff Aaron Appelhans.
Lee’s Towing in Wheatland hoisted the car to the surface around 4 p.m.
Conditions at the reservoir were windy at the time, said Wheatland Fire and Rescue Lt. Jeff Herb, adding that his department dispatched a dozen firefighters who functioned in a support role.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department deployed a large boat to assist in the operation, he said.
The victim was found in the driver’s seat and was the only person in the vehicle, said McConahay.
McConahay added that there have been other instances of cars driving into the reservoir, but he is unaware of any as dramatic as Sunday’s.
It hasn’t been determined if a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash.
Platte County Coroner’s Office officials could not be reached for comment regarding details about the victim’s cause of death.
Scott Schwebke can be reached at scott@cowboystatedaily.com.
