CASPER, WY — The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating two deadly motorcycle crashes in northern Wyoming that happened on consecutive days and killed two riders.
One wreck occurred in Park County on Aug. 8, while the second happened in Weston County on Aug. 9. Troopers said both crashes involved Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Park County rider dies after motorcycle strikes guardrail near Cody
The first crash happened at mile marker 32 on Wyoming Highway 296, about 22 miles northwest of Cody.
Officials said a 2024 Harley Davidson Road Glide was traveling west when the rider lost control and hit a guardrail. The rider, identified as 71-year-old Mel Ortega of Miami, Florida, was taken to a hospital and later died from his injuries.
Weston County crash kills 30-year-old rider north of Newcastle
The second fatal crash happened at mile marker 234 on US 85, about four miles north of Newcastle.
According to a Wyoming Highway Patrol release, a 2015 Harley Davidson FLTRUSE entered a left-hand curve at a high speed, left the roadway to the right, and crashed. The rider, 30-year-old Evan Haley of Limon, Colorado, died at the scene.
Highway patrol continues to investigate both wrecks
Investigators have not said whether road conditions, weather, or other factors played a role in either crash.
The two incidents add to the dangers of motorcycle travel on Wyoming highways, where a loss of control or a high-speed curve can turn fatal in an instant.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.