On February 22, 2024, a devastating car crash on U.S. Highway 287 near the Wyoming-Colorado border claimed the lives of three University of Wyoming swimming and diving team members: Charlie Clark, 19, from Las Vegas; Carson Muir, 18, from Birmingham, Alabama; and Luke Slabber, 21, from Cape Town, South Africa. The accident occurred around 2:34 p.m. when their vehicle veered off the road and rolled multiple times. Two other team members sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital. Fort Collins Coloradoan+14People.com+14AP News+14AP News+2People.com+2People.com+2
The university community is mourning the loss of these promising young athletes. President Ed Seidel expressed profound sorrow, stating, “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.” Athletic Director Tom Burman also conveyed condolences, emphasizing the deep impact on the university’s athletic family. Cowboy State Daily+3AP News+3ABC News+3People.com+1ABC News+1
Memorial services have been held to honor the lives of Clark, Muir, and Slabber. Teammates and coaches remembered them as dedicated, fun-loving, and caring individuals who brought joy and inspiration to those around them. Buzflash – My WordPress Blog+5CBS News+5People.com+5Cowboy State Daily
The crash site, located about 10 miles south of the Wyoming-Colorado border, is part of a stretch of highway known for hazardous conditions. This incident adds to a history of fatal accidents involving university students on the same road, prompting renewed calls for improved safety measures. Fort Collins Coloradoan+9AP News+9People.com+9
As investigations continue into the cause of the accident, the University of Wyoming community comes together to support one another, honoring the memories of Charlie Clark, Carson Muir, and Luke Slabber.
