Several families in Wyoming have been left devastated as they mourn the deaths of three promising University of Wyoming student athlete swimmers, who were killed in a highway crash in Colorado.
In the wake of the tragedy, the school’s community has rallied together to support the grieving families and swim team.
Carson Muir, Charlie Clark, and Luke Slabber, all members of the university’s swim team, were tragically killed in the crash along Highway 287 north of Fort Collins, multiple sources have reported. The news has sent shockwaves through the university, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support from students and faculty alike.
The fatal crash occurred just before 2:45 pm on Thursday (February 22) when the Toyota Rav4 carrying Muir, Clark, Slabber, and two others veered off the road while traveling southbound toward Fort Collins. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle swerved to avoid a slowing car.
“Initial indications are that the driver swerved, and the vehicle went off the road, rolling multiple times. The accident is under investigation,” a press release from the university stated.
So far, however, no factors – such as speed and distractions – have been ruled out at the cause of the crash, the Colorado State Patrol stated on Friday (February 23), per NBC News.
Two other members of the men’s swimming and diving team – one of whom was driving the vehicle – were involved in the crash, suffering non-life-threatening injuries and were released from the hospital, the outlet added.
Jace Smith, a graduate student at the university told CBS, as the students prepare to welcome the women’s swim team back from Texas. “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 uplift them. Hopefully everybody will end up alright,” he added.
Wyoming Athletic Director Tom Burman has since issued a statement calling for support for the families of the late students. “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 read.
He continued: “I give my condolences to (the families). I think everyone in Wyoming and Colorado would say the same.”
What a devastating turn of events. We are sending all our thoughts to the families of the students, as well as the University of Wyoming community.