University of Wyoming student killed on HWY 287
Sept. 6, 2010 – One University of Wyoming student was killed and three were injured Monday when the vehicle they were in went off Highway 287 in Colorado shortly before 5:30 a.m.
Killed was Ruben Narcisse, 19, of Miami, Fla. Injured were Trey Fox, 19, of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; C.J. Morgan, 18, of Aurora, Colo.; and J.J. Quinlan, 19, of Everett, Wash.
The four were in a Toyota Tundra pickup traveling north approximately six miles south of the Wyoming state line when the driver of the vehicle apparently fell asleep at the wheel, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Colorado State Patrol spokesman Sgt. John Hahn said there is no evidence that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
Narcisse and Morgan were taken to the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colo. Morgan remains in the hospital there in fair condition.
Quinlan and Fox were taken to Ivinson Memorial Hospital, in Laramie, Wyo., where they were treated and released.
All students involved in the accident are on the UW football team.
“The loss of any student saddens us immeasurably,” UW President Tom Buchanan says. “My condolences go out to Ruben’s family and friends. The entire university community grieves his loss.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ruben’s family,” Athletics Director Tom Burman said. “Our thoughts are also with the students who were involved in the accident and their families as well. Sadly, this athletics department has experienced this kind of loss before, and we know how difficult it is for all involved.”
Counseling support is being offered by University Counseling Center professionals, who are available to speak to team members and coaching staff, as well as any UW student who seeks counseling support.
“We’re reaching out to our entire team and coaching staff,” Coach Dave Christensen said. “It’s a terrible tragedy, and a terrible loss. Our focus now is helping our team and staff deal with this tragedy and making sure the families of the young men involved know that we are here to support them in any way we can.”
For additional information contact Tim Harkins at the University of Wyoming Athletics Department at (307) 760‑7847.
