Updated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol
On December 1, 2019, a fatal crash occurred around milepost 96 on US 89 north of Afton, Wyoming. Around 1:10 p.m., Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the area for a motor vehicle collision.
A 2002 Ford Focus was traveling northbound on US 89 when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the snow and ice-covered roadway. The Ford entered the southbound lane and collided with a 2007 GMC Sierra pulling an empty horse trailer.
The driver of the Ford has been identified as 22-year-old Jackson, Wyoming resident John Koerber. Koerber was wearing his seatbelt and succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the 2007 GMC has been identified as 49-year-old Thayne, Wyoming resident Corey Christensen. Christensen was wearing his seatbelt and transported to the Star Valley Medical Center for injuries sustained in the crash. The passenger in the GMC has been identified as 48-year-old Thayne, Wyoming resident Maryanne Christensen. She was wearing her seatbelt and transported to the Star Valley Medical Center for injuries she sustained in the crash.
Speed on the part of Keorber is being investigated as a possible contributing factor.
This is the 142nd fatality on Wyoming’s roadways in 2019 compared to 106 in 2018, 119 in 2017, and 109 in 2016 to date.
*Original Story*
The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) is continuing its investigation into a fatal accident that occured in the Narrows area of Highway 89 in Star Valley on Sunday, December 1.
WHP told SVI News that the accident occurred at approximately 1:10 p.m. Sunday afternoon when a driver lost control going too fast for conditions. The vehicle slid into oncoming traffic and was hit by a pickup and horse trailer.
WHP confirmed that the driver who lost control, a Jackson resident, was fatally injured. The driver’s name has not been released.
The accident continues to be under investigation by the WHP who are encouraging drivers to slow down and make adjustments for the existing road conditions. More information will be added to this story as it becomes available.
Snow totals topped more than 18 inches over the Thanksgiving weekend in many areas of Star Valley. Approximately 16 inches fell in the Thayne area and more than 20 inches fell in Smoot. For the most detailed weather forecasts in the area visit starvalleyweather.com.
Area roads continue to be hazardous as winter conditions persist across Wyoming. For the latest road conditions please utilize www.wyoroad.info.
