Fatal crash near Wright, Wyoming leads to investigation

Wright, WY.  –  On January 25th, 2018 a fatal crash occurred at milepost 83 on Wyoming 59 near Wright, Wyoming. At 5:00 a.m., Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers were dispatched to the area for a two-vehicle collision.

A 2014 Dodge Ram pickup was traveling southbound in the continuous passing lane on WY 59. The driver of the Dodge pickup lost control of the vehicle on the icy road surface. The Dodge pickup then crossed the centerline and into the northbound lane, directly into the path of a Dodge Journey which was traveling northbound. The vehicles collided in a head-on impact in the northbound lane of travel. The driver of the Dodge Journey was transported by ambulance to Campbell County Memorial Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

The driver of the Dodge Journey has been identified as 26-year-old Wright, Wyoming resident Jessica De Najera.

The driver of the Dodge Pickup has been identified as 31-year-old Gillette, Wyoming resident Kaycee Smelser. She was transported to Campbell County Memorial Hospital and hospitalized for her injuries.

This crash resulted in the third highway fatality in Wyoming for 2018 compared to three fatalities in 2017, four in 2016, and eight in 2015 during this same time period

Criminal charges are to be determined depending on the outcome of the investigation.