Utah State Student and Ridgeline High Assistant Coach Dies in Wyoming Crash

A Utah State University student and assistant coach at Ridgeline High School died in a car crash in southwest Wyoming on May 5, authorities confirmed.

Grace Montierth, 22, of Providence, Utah, was killed when the vehicle she was riding in hydroplaned on wet roads and was struck by a semitruck on Interstate 80 near Point of Rocks, approximately 30 miles east of Rock Springs. The crash occurred around 4 p.m., according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Montierth was a passenger in a Subaru that was traveling westbound when it began to lose traction and crossed over into the eastbound lanes. As the vehicle moved back toward the westbound direction, it was hit by an oncoming semitruck. The impact caused the Subaru to spin and come to rest in the median. Montierth was pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of both vehicles were hospitalized with injuries that were not specified.

Authorities are investigating the crash and are considering weather conditions, driver fatigue, or distraction as potential contributing factors. The road was wet due to rainfall at the time of the incident.

Montierth had a strong background in athletics. After graduating from Ridgeline High School, where she excelled as a student-athlete, she competed at Hastings College in Nebraska. She earned recognition as an NAIA scholar All-American in 2022 and qualified for NAIA Nationals. Following her college athletic career, Montierth served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Diego and Indianapolis before returning to Utah and transferring to Utah State.

At the time of her death, Montierth was nearing completion of a degree in kinesiology. Her family said Utah State University plans to award her diploma posthumously.

In an obituary, her family described her as compassionate and service-oriented, often prioritizing others’ needs over her own. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday in her hometown of Providence, and a crowdfunding campaign has raised over $25,000 to assist the family with funeral expenses and related costs.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and has reminded motorists to exercise extra caution when driving in wet or hazardous conditions.

With input from KSL.com.