22-Year-Old Wyoming Man Killed in I-80 Rear-End Crash

Caleb Gooding's life tragically cut short in accident involving semi-truck

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

A 22-year-old man from Mountain View, Wyoming named Caleb Gooding was killed after rear-ending a semi-truck on Interstate 80 in Uinta County. The Wyoming Highway Patrol cited speed and driver inattention as possible contributing factors in the fatal crash that occurred around 2:40 a.m. on February 21, 2026.

Why it matters

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers drivers face on the road, especially when speeding and distraction are involved. Interstate 80 in Wyoming has seen a concerning number of fatal crashes in 2026, highlighting the need for increased safety measures and driver education.

The details

According to the crash summary, Gooding's Toyota was approaching the westbound Freightliner semi-truck from behind when his vehicle struck the semi's passenger side near the bottom-right access step. Gooding's Toyota then skidded along the rear portion of the semi's trailer before leaving the roadway to the right. Despite being buckled up, Gooding did not survive his injuries, while the semi-truck driver was uninjured.

  • The crash occurred around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • There have been 16 reported fatal crashes in Wyoming so far in 2026, resulting in 19 deaths.
  • Four of those fatal crashes have occurred in Uinta County.

The players

Caleb Gooding

A 22-year-old man from Mountain View, Wyoming who tragically lost his life in the rear-end crash on Interstate 80.

Freightliner

The semi-truck involved in the crash that Gooding's vehicle struck from behind.

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What’s next

The Wyoming Highway Patrol will continue investigating the crash to determine the exact cause and any contributing factors.

The takeaway

This fatal crash on I-80 serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of safe driving practices, including obeying speed limits and remaining attentive behind the wheel. The high number of fatal crashes in Wyoming this year also highlights the need for increased road safety measures and driver education to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.