Crash linked to alleged semi transmission failure kills 3, including child

CASPER (WNE) — Authorities say two Colorado adults and a 10-year-old girl died May 1 when an F-250 collided with a semitrailer blocking traffic on US-85 near Lusk.

Two other people in a camper being towed by the pickup were hospitalized. One was flown to Scottsbluff for treatment, and an 11-year-old was taken to Colorado, according to a Wyoming Highway Patrol news release.

Craig Gates, 67, and Donna Gates, 68 were identified as driver and passenger of the pickup, according to the news release 

Authorities said the 10-year-old was inside the sleeping compartment of the semi-truck. Her identity was not released.

Fatal crash data compiled by the Wyoming Department of Transportation indicates that both members of the Gates family were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Authorities said the driver of a Freightliner Cascadia semi was attempting to exit a parking area shortly before the crash occurred.

The driver, who was not identified, allegedly told authorities that the truck shifted into neutral during the maneuver.

"Unable to shift, the driver attempted a U-turn in order to move the vehicle into the southbound turnabout parking area," according to the news release. "The truck came to a stop, however, with ... the trailer itself blocking both lanes of travel on US-85."

The driver tried to get the attention of the F-250's driver "but was unsuccessful" before it collided with the trailer at "close to highway speeds," according to the statement. 

The report indicates the F-250 hit the semi in front of "axle four," which is the more forward of the rear two axles.

"At this time it is unknown why the truck did not slow down sooner before the impact," according to the statement from the highway patrol. "Possible equipment failure - the transmission of the semi-truck - [is] being investigated as [a] possible contributing factor in the crash."

This story was published on May 7, 2026.