Several families in Wyoming are feeling very sad because three talented swimmers from the University of Wyoming died in a car crash in Colorado. The whole school community is coming together to help the families and the swim team during this difficult time.
Carson Muir, Charlie Clark, and Luke Slabber, who were all part of the university’s swim team, lost their lives in the crash on Highway 287 near Fort Collins. Everyone at the university is shocked and saddened by this news, and they’re offering lots of support to those affected.
The crash happened just before 2:45 pm on Thursday, February 22. The car they were in, a Toyota Rav4, went off the road while they were driving towards Fort Collins. It seems like they tried to avoid hitting another car that was slowing down.
“The initial information suggests that the driver swerved and the car went off the road, flipping over multiple times. The accident is being looked into,” said a statement from the university.
However, the Colorado State Patrol mentioned on Friday (February 23) that they haven’t ruled out factors like speed or distractions as possible causes of the crash, according to NBC News.
Two other members of the men’s swimming and diving team were also in the car during the crash. One of them was driving. They got hurt but their injuries weren’t life-threatening, and they’ve been released from the hospital, as reported by the news.
Jace Smith, a graduate student at the university, shared his feelings about the tragedy. “It was horrible. It is a tragic event. I think everyone feels for the swim team right now,” he said.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing that the students are putting these messages up for them. Hopefully, it uplifts them. Hopefully, everybody will end up alright,” he added.
The Wyoming Athletic Director, Tom Burman, has asked for support for the families of the students who passed away. “Please pray for these families as they will need as much support as possible. We use the One Wyoming slogan in our building, and it means – we are one State and supporting our Cowboys and Cowgirls – please live it!” his statement said.
He continued, “I give my condolences to (the families). I think everyone in Wyoming and Colorado would say the same.”
It’s really sad news. Our hearts go out to the families of the students and the whole University of Wyoming community.