Crime Wyoming

Fatal Rollover Crash Claims Life of Wyoming Man Near Casper

Fatal Rollover Crash Claims Life of Wyoming Man Near Casper
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  • PublishedFebruary 11, 2025

A 44-year-old Wyoming man, Derick Heikes, lost his life in a rollover crash on WY 220 near Casper on the morning of February 6, K2 Radio reports.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred at milepost 83 at approximately 7:29 a.m. Preliminary findings indicate that Heikes was driving eastbound in a Nissan when the vehicle drifted off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle traveled approximately 182 feet on the shoulder before Heikes attempted to correct his path.

The overcorrection sent the vehicle back across the road and into a passenger-side slide. The car then exited the west side of the highway, where it tripped and rolled.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Heikes was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Road conditions were dry, and weather conditions were clear. Authorities have identified driver fatigue, inattention, and speed as possible contributing factors to the fatal incident.

This tragedy marks the first reported fatal crash on a Natrona County highway in 2025. Statewide, there have been six fatal crashes so far this year, compared to two during the same period in 2024.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol urges drivers to remain attentive, adhere to speed limits, and take breaks to avoid fatigue while traveling on state roadways. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.