Jason Greer and Four Friends Killed by Wrong-Way Driver on I-80 in Wyoming
A horrific car accident on Interstate 80 in Wyoming claimed the life of Jason Greer, a 23-year-old college student from Utah, and four of his friends on Sunday, November 26, 2023. The accident was caused by a wrong-way driver who was allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine and ignored the GPS directions.
What Happened to Jason Greer?
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. near milepost 184, about 10 miles east of Rawlins. A black Dodge Ram 3500 driven by Arthur Nelson, a 57-year-old roofer from Tennessee, was traveling west in the eastbound lane of I-80. Nelson’s truck sideswiped a FedEx commercial truck and then collided head-on with a small Infiniti SUV that was trying to pass another commercial vehicle.
The Infiniti was driven by Jason Greer, who had four passengers with him: his girlfriend, Amanda Smith, 21, and their friends, Tyler Jones, 22, Rachel Lee, 19, and Kevin Chen, 18. All five were students at the University of Utah and were on their way to visit Greer’s family in Cheyenne for Thanksgiving.
The impact of the collision caused the Infiniti to burst into flames and the Dodge Ram to spin out of control. The MS Freight truck that the Infiniti was passing also swerved to avoid the crash and crossed the median into the westbound lane, where it hit another Ford F-150 truck that was carrying a family of four from Colorado. The MS Freight truck and the Ford F-150 also caught fire and became engulfed in flames.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper who responded to the scene, Corey McCallister, described it as a “chaotic, dystopian scene” that was more suited to a horror film. He said he saw several vehicles burning, debris scattered all over the road, and people screaming for help. He said he tried to rescue the occupants of the Infiniti, but the fire was too intense and he could not get close enough. He said he also tried to help the family in the Ford F-150, but they were trapped inside and he could not break the windows. He said he felt helpless and frustrated as he watched them burn alive.
McCallister said he was able to arrest Nelson, who was the only one to walk away unscathed from the accident. He said Nelson appeared to be under the influence of something and was not coherent. He said Nelson repeatedly denied driving the wrong way and blamed the GPS for telling him to do so. He said Nelson later admitted to using methamphetamine the day before and said it was a “lesson learned”.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims of the accident were young, bright, and full of potential. They had dreams, hobbies, and loved ones who are now mourning their loss.
Jason was a senior majoring in computer science at the University of Utah. He was passionate about coding, gaming, and music. He was a talented guitarist and singer who performed at local venues and uploaded his songs on YouTube. He was also a loving boyfriend to Amanda Smith, whom he met in his freshman year. They had been dating for three years and planned to get married after graduation.
Amanda Smith was a junior majoring in psychology at the University of Utah. She was interested in child development and wanted to become a counselor for troubled youth. She was a kind, compassionate, and cheerful person who always had a smile on her face. She loved animals, especially dogs, and volunteered at a local animal shelter. She was also a devoted girlfriend to Jason Greer, whom she considered her soulmate.
Tyler Jones was a senior majoring in business administration at the University of Utah. He was ambitious, hardworking, and entrepreneurial. He had started his own online clothing store and was planning to expand his business after graduation. He was also a sports fan and enjoyed playing basketball and soccer. He was a loyal friend to Greer, whom he had known since high school.
Rachel Lee was a sophomore majoring in art history at the University of Utah. She was creative, artistic, and adventurous. She loved to paint, draw, and photograph. She had a keen eye for beauty and aesthetics. She also loved to travel and explore new cultures. She was a close friend to Amanda Smith, whom she met in her dorm.
Kevin Chen was a freshman majoring in engineering at the University of Utah. He was smart, curious, and innovative. He loved to tinker with gadgets, machines, and robots. He had a knack for solving problems and inventing new things. He also loved to read, watch movies, and play chess. He was a new friend to Jason Greer, whom he met in his computer science class.
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How Did the Community React?
The tragic accident shocked and saddened the community, especially the University of Utah, where the five victims were students. The university held a candlelight vigil on Monday, November 27, to honor and remember them. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and alumni attended the vigil and shared their memories and condolences. The university also offered counseling and support services to those who were affected by the tragedy.
The families and friends of the victims also expressed their grief and anger over the senseless loss of their loved ones. They demanded justice for Nelson, who was charged with five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, six counts of aggravated assault, and one count of driving under the influence. Nelson is currently being held at the Carbon County Jail on a $1 million bond. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
The accident also raised awareness and concern about the dangers of driving under the influence and driving the wrong way on the interstate. The Wyoming Highway Patrol urged drivers to be alert, attentive, and responsible when driving, and to report any suspicious or erratic behavior on the road. The Wyoming Department of Transportation also said it was reviewing its signage and lighting on I-80 to prevent future wrong-way crashes.
What Can We Learn From This?
The tragic car accident on I-80 in Wyoming that claimed the lives of Greer and four of his friends was a devastating and preventable tragedy that could have been avoided if Nelson had not driven under the influence and ignored the GPS directions. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving and the importance of road safety. It also reminds us of the fragility and preciousness of life, and the need to cherish and appreciate our loved ones while we can.
We hope that this article has provided you with some useful and helpful information about the tragic car accident on I-80 in Wyoming that claimed the lives of Jason Greer and 4 of his friends. We also hope that this article has honored and respected the memory and legacy of the victims, and expressed our sympathy and support to their families and friends. We thank you for reading this article and we wish you a safe and happy day.
