Names of 3 UW swimmers killed in Colorado crash released
Feb. 23—LARAMIE — The names of the three University of Wyoming swimmers who were killed in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 287 in northern Colorado on Thursday afternoon have been released by the school.
Carson Muir, 18, Charlie Clark, 19, and Luke Slabber, 21, all died in the crash, which happened around 2:45 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Highway 287 and Red Mountain Road, northwest of Livermore in Larimer County, Colorado.
"I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of three University of Wyoming student-athletes in a motor vehicle accident on U.S. 287 in Colorado," Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement. "Jennie and I join the entire university community and all of Wyoming in mourning this loss, and we ask you to keep their families, friends and loved ones close to your hearts during this difficult time."
Muir was a freshman on the women's team, specializing in the freestyle and butterfly events. She came to UW from Birmingham, Alabama, and was majoring in animal and veterinary sciences.
Clark was a sophomore on the men's team, majoring in psychology. The Las Vegas native primarily competed in distance freestyles and individual medleys for the Cowboys.
Slabber grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and swam in the sprint freestyle, breaststroke and individual medley for the Cowboys. He was majoring in construction management.
"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," UW President Ed Seidel said in a news release. "Words are insufficient to express our sadness."
Two others were injured in the crash, and both were also members of the men's swimming and diving team. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, according to the school. The names of the two injured student-athletes have yet to be released.
"My thoughts and prayers are with our swimming and diving student-athletes, coaches, families and friends," UW athletics director Tom Burman said. "It is difficult to lose members of our University of Wyoming family, and we mourn the loss of these student-athletes.
"We have counseling services available to our student-athletes and coaches in our time of need."
The Cowgirls are currently competing in the Mountain West championships this week in Houston, Texas. The Cowboys are scheduled to compete in the Western Athletic Conference championships next week in Texas.
UW has a long history with tragedy on Highway 287. In September 2001, eight members of UW's cross country team — Kevin Salverson, 19, of Cheyenne; Justin Lambert-Belanger, 20, of Timmins, Ontario; Cody Brown, 21, of Hudson, Colorado; Kyle Johnson, 20, of Riverton; Joshua Jones, 22, of Salem, Oregon; Morgan McLeland, 21, of Gillette; Nicholas Schabron, 20, of Laramie; and Shane Shatto, 19, of Douglas — were killed by a drunken driver in a two-vehicle collision south of Laramie.
Ruben Narcisse, 19, a football player from Miami, Florida, was killed six miles south of the state line after a driver of the vehicle he was in fell asleep at the wheel in 2010.
UW students in need of support are encouraged to contact the university's counseling center at 307-766-2187. The counseling center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and is prepared to support students. Students can also call an after-hours crisis counselor at 307-766-8989.
The Dean of Students Office, 307-766-3296, is available for any well-being support or academic assistance students may need.
UW employees may seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program — specifically, MINES & Associates, at 1-800-873-7138.
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Alex Taylor is the assistant editor for WyoSports and covers University of Wyoming athletics. He can be reached at ataylor@wyosports.net. Follow him on X at @alex_m_taylor22.
