A heartbreaking incident has left the University of Wyoming community in deep mourning after a devastating car accident claimed the lives of three young student-athletes. The tragic crash occurred near the Wyoming-Colorado border, cutting short the lives of promising members of the university’s swimming and diving team.
The victims were identified as:
Carson Muir, 18, a freshman from Birmingham, Alabama Charlie Clark, 19, a sophomore from Las Vegas, Nevada Luke Slabber, 21, a junior originally from Cape Town, South Africa
The accident happened at the intersection of Red Mountain Road and U.S. Highway 287, between Livermore and Virginia Dale in Colorado. Preliminary reports from the Colorado State Patrol indicate that the vehicle, a Toyota RAV4 with five occupants, veered out of the southbound lane and rolled several times. Two individuals were ejected from the vehicle during the incident.
While the official cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities have not ruled out factors such as speed or driver distraction. One of the survivors, a member of the swim team, was behind the wheel when the vehicle left the road shortly before 2:45 p.m.
Two Others Survive With Minor Injuries
Thankfully, the other two passengers sustained only minor injuries and were released from the hospital shortly after receiving medical attention. All five individuals involved in the crash were part of the university’s men’s swimming and diving team, though they were not traveling for official school business at the time.
University and State Leaders React
The university community is grappling with the loss, and tributes have begun pouring in from school officials and state leaders.
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel expressed deep sorrow in an official statement, calling the event a tremendous loss not only for the university but also for the wider community of student-athletes and their families.
Athletic Director Tom Burman also extended his condolences and confirmed that counseling services are being made available to students and staff to help process the emotional toll of the tragedy.
Governor Mark Gordon and his wife joined in expressing sympathy, urging the public to keep the victims’ families and loved ones in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
A Community United in Grief
As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring the lives of Carson, Charlie, and Luke, who were not only talented athletes but beloved members of their university and hometowns. Their contributions to the swimming and diving program, as well as their presence in the community, will be remembered for years to come.
The University of Wyoming, along with the state and national athletic communities, stands in solidarity to support one another in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
