One killed, four injured in multi-vehicle crash in Wapiti
POWELL (WNE) — A man was killed and four other people were taken to hospitals following a Wednesday morning crash on U.S. Highway 14/16/20 in the Wapiti Valley that involved two trucks and four motorcycles.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said four motorcycles were heading west on U.S. 14/16/20,
followed by a Wyoming Department of Transportation vehicle, when an eastbound Ford drifted into the wrong lane. The Ford pickup hit two of the motorcycles, which
caused the other two bikes to crash. The WYDOT truck tried swerving to avoid the Ford, but was struck in the tailgate
One man died at the scene while another person was flown from the scene to Billings for medical treatment. A third person was initially taken to Cody Regional Health, but then flown to Billings.
Two others were treated at the Cody hospital for non-life threatening injuries and
released, the patrol said.
Wednesday’s incident marks the fourth fatal motorcycle crash in Park County since early July. It occurred about five miles east of a 2016 crash that left three German motorcyclists dead and three others injured. In that case, a 61-year-old Oregon man drifted into the westbound bikers’ lane for reasons that neither he nor investigators could explain.
This story was published on August 12, 2026.
Ensure These Stories Are Told
Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.
It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.
Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.
If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.
All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.
Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.