Tragedy Strikes: Three University of Wyoming Swimmers Killed in Highway Crash
It is with heavy hearts that we report a tragic highway crash in northern Colorado that claimed the lives of three talented swimmers from the University of Wyoming. The incident took place on Thursday afternoon on U.S. 287, approximately 10 miles south of the Wyoming-Colorado line. The news has sent shockwaves through the university and the swimming community, leaving everyone devastated.
The three swimmers who lost their lives in this devastating accident are Charlie Clark, a 19-year-old sophomore from Las Vegas; Luke Slabber, a 21-year-old junior from South Africa; and Carson Muir, an 18-year-old freshman from Birmingham, Alabama. These young athletes had promising futures ahead of them and were beloved members of the university’s swimming and diving team.
Tragically, two other members of the team were also involved in the crash but managed to survive. They sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. While their injuries are serious, they are expected to make a full recovery, providing some solace amidst this heartbreaking incident.
University of Wyoming’s athletic director, Tom Burman, expressed his condolences and support for the affected families, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families, and friends. It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes.” The university has made counseling services available to all student-athletes and coaches to help them cope with this devastating loss.
According to the Colorado State Patrol statement, the crash occurred when the driver of a Toyota RAV4 SUV carrying four other individuals swerved off the pavement and rolled over multiple times. The SUV was heading south and did not appear to be part of an official team trip. The incident is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
This tragic event brings back painful memories for the University of Wyoming, as it was on the same highway in 2001 that a head-on collision with a drunk driver claimed the lives of eight members of the university’s cross country team. Clint Haskins, another University of Wyoming student at the time, was responsible for the accident. Haskins pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and served 9½ years in prison. The wounds from that tragedy still haunt the university community, and this recent incident only reopens those old wounds.
University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “We are heartsick at the news of this terrible tragedy for our university, our state, our student-athlete community, and most importantly, the families and friends of these young people.” The entire university is rallying around the families affected by this tragedy, offering support and comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.
As news of this heartbreaking incident spreads across the nation, the swimming community mourns the loss of these talented athletes. Their passion for the sport and dedication to their teams will forever be remembered. The impact they had on their teammates and coaches is immeasurable, and their absence will be felt deeply within the University of Wyoming swimming and diving program.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, and teammates of Charlie Clark, Luke Slabber, and Carson Muir. May their souls rest in peace, and may their legacies continue to inspire future generations of swimmers.
