University of Wyoming Mourns Student-Athletes Lost in Colorado Crash

The University of Wyoming community is in mourning after losing three promising student-athletes in a tragic crash that has deeply affected teammates, faculty, and residents across the state.

University President Ed Seidel expressed profound grief, calling the loss “an unimaginable tragedy for our entire community.” He emphasized that counseling and mental health support would be available to students, coaches, and staff. Tom Burman, the university’s athletics director, echoed those sentiments, saying the three young men “represented the heart and spirit of the Wyoming Cowboys family.”

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon also offered condolences, urging residents to keep the families of the victims in their thoughts and prayers. “Our hearts break for the families, teammates, and friends of these young men whose lives ended far too soon,” the governor said in a statement.

Authorities confirmed that the students were not on official university business at the time of the accident, but were traveling together off-campus. The Colorado State Patrol continues to investigate the cause, noting that weather conditions were clear but the rural highway’s elevation changes can make driving hazardous.

The victims — Clark, Slabber, and Muir — were described by coaches as hardworking, dedicated athletes who brought both leadership and energy to the team. Teammates and friends gathered at a candlelight vigil on campus, leaving flowers, swim caps, and university flags near the pool deck in their memory.

As the university community grieves, tributes have poured in from across the collegiate swimming world, honoring the lives of three young men whose dreams, determination, and camaraderie made a lasting impact far beyond the pool.