Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in February 2024.
A tragic accident near the Wyoming–Colorado border claimed the lives of three University of Wyoming swimming and diving team members. The victims were identified as Charlie Clark, 19, of Las Vegas; Luke Slabber, 21, of Cape Town, South Africa; and Carson Muir, 18, of Birmingham, Alabama. The crash occurred along U.S. Highway 287 near Red Mountain Road between Livermore and Virginia Dale, Colorado.
According to early findings, the driver swerved, causing the Toyota RAV4 carrying five team members to veer off the road and roll several times. Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle. The Colorado State Patrol reported that all potential causes—including speed, impairment, and distractions—remain under investigation.
Two other team members survived with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released from the hospital. One of them was driving at the time of the crash, which happened shortly before 2:45 p.m. Officials emphasized that the group was not traveling on official university business.
The heartbreaking news prompted an outpouring of grief from the university and the state. University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel expressed profound sorrow, saying words could not capture the depth of the loss. Athletic Director Tom Burman shared his condolences and confirmed that counseling services were available for student-athletes and staff.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and his wife also offered condolences, urging the public to keep the victims’ families and teammates in their thoughts. The community continues to mourn the loss of these three young lives and honor their memory.