Three members of the University of Wyoming swimming and diving team tragically lost their lives in a single-car crash on Thursday afternoon near the Wyoming-Colorado border. The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 287, about 10 miles south of the state line, between Laramie and Fort Collins, Colorado. The Toyota RAV4 SUV with five people inside swerved off the road and rolled over multiple times, resulting in the deaths of 19-year-old Charlie Clark, 21-year-old Luke Slabber, and 18-year-old Carson Muir. Two other team members were injured but have since been released from the hospital.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the driver of the SUV may have been trying to avoid a vehicle ahead that had slowed down, possibly to make a turn. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, with factors such as speeding, impairment, and distractions not being ruled out. The weather conditions at the time were fair, and the road, known for its blind curves and other hazards, was busy with traffic.

This tragic incident is not the first time the University of Wyoming has experienced such a loss. In 2001, a similar crash on the same highway claimed the lives of eight members of the university's cross-country team. The survivor of that crash, Clint Haskins, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and served time in prison. The highway has seen a high number of crashes over the years, prompting calls for safety improvements.

University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel expressed deep sadness over the loss of the students, calling it a tragedy for the university and the state. The university is offering counseling services to students and employees in need of support during this difficult time. The Director of Athletics, Tom Burman, also extended his thoughts and prayers to the swimming and diving team, their coaches, families, and friends. The community is mourning the loss of these young lives and coming to terms with the devastating impact of the crash.