Celebration of Life Honoring Three Swimmers Lost in Tragic Accident
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the University of Wyoming organized a solemn Celebration of Life on Wednesday evening to commemorate the lives of three swimmers who tragically passed away on February 22 in a car accident on Highway 287.
The event brought together the Wyoming community, as well as athletes from Northern Colorado and Colorado State, to pay tribute to Charlie Clark, Carson Muir, and Luke Slabber. Dignitaries and speakers at the ceremony included Governor Mark Gordon, University of Wyoming President Dr. Ed Seidel, Athletic Director Tom Burman, Head Swim and Dive Coach Dave Denniston, along with friends and teammates of the deceased student athletes. The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to share moments of laughter, tears, and collective mourning in the face of this profound loss.
Close acquaintances of Charlie, Carson, and Luke shared heartfelt anecdotes to commemorate the indelible impact these three individuals had on those around them.
Speakers:
Madeline Bane, Senior Swimmer
Madeline reflected, “Let’s be changed for the better by Charlie and commit to letting joy radiate from us just as his joy showed all over his face lighting up the world around him. Let us be changed by Carson and honor her by committing to look at the little things in life through the lens of wonder, as she always did. Let us be changed by Luke and personally commit to loving those around us, just as he took the time to understand my story and show compassion for each of us.”
Gavin Smith, Senior Swimmer and Luke Slabber’s lifelong friend from South Africa
Addressing Luke, Gavin expressed, “Luke, I hope that you are sitting on Noda Beach right now, looking out at the sunset and deciding whether or not you want to go in for one more quick surf before it gets dark. I want to say thank you for everything in my brew. You are one of a kind, and I want you to know that you have impacted so many people in this world. You will truly be missed, and I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life. This is a good last sentence, I have to say it. I love you, my friend, and I can’t wait to catch another surf with you in the future. Thank you.”
Dave Denniston, Wyoming Swim & Dive Head Coach
Coach Denniston shared, “I have the honor and privilege of being called coach by everybody here in the front few rows and even a few of you that are up in the stands. These amazing young people possess a strength that no coach can pull out of an athlete in any arena or pool, but I’ve seen something very special in each young individual that I’ve been with the last two weeks as we’ve battled through this.”
Mark Gordon, Wyoming Governor
Governor Gordon reflected, “If you look at all of these individuals, they loved the outdoors, they loved Wyoming, they loved the wilderness and its expectations. They cherished being in a place where they could see bison, that noble animal that faces into the wind regardless of the conditions. Their remarkable accomplishments attest to the exceptional individuals they were.”
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