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.
