Tragic crash kills two local residents

Nels and Jeanette Smith have been named as two of the three people who lost their lives in a vehicle accident last week near Lingle.

On September 1, a fatal crash occurred around milepost 112 on US 85, north of Lingle. At 3:45 p.m., Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers were notified of a two-vehicle crash.

Troopers arrived on scene and located a 2023 Toyota passenger car and a 2022 Chrysler minivan. The Toyota was southbound on US 85.

The Chrysler was traveling northbound on US 85 when it crossed the center line and collided with the Toyota.

The driver of the Chrysler was identified as 84-year-old Beulah resident Nels Smith. The passenger of the Chrysler was identified as 85-year-old Beulah resident Jeanette Smith.

The driver of the Toyota was identified as 44-year-old Torrington, Wyoming resident Alicia Rodriguez.

Driver inattention and fatigue/asleep are being investigated as a potential contributing factor. The crash is still under investigation.