Green River, WY — February 19, 2025, Jeffrey Wilson and Kathrine Franklin were killed and another person was injured in a truck accident at about 5:30 p.m. on State Highway 374.
Authorities said a 2020 Volvo semi-truck crashed into a 2011 Honda Odyssey after it failed to handle a sharp curve in the highway while heading south.
Honda driver Jeffrey Wilson, 47, and passenger Kathrine Franklin, 32, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Another passenger was injured with unspecified injuries.
The truck driver was not injured.
Authorities said charges are pending as the investigation into the Sweetwater County crash continues.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I see that a semi-truck failed to handle a sharp curve and crashed into another vehicle, my first thought is that driver error — or possibly poor training — needs to be closely examined. Commercial truck drivers are supposed to be trained to adjust their speed and handling for roadway conditions, especially on curves where high speeds can cause a truck to lose control. If the truck driver misjudged the turn or was going too fast, that could indicate negligence.
One thing investigators should look at is whether speed was a factor. Trucks have a higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles, making them more prone to rollovers or lane departures on curves. If the driver was traveling too fast for the curve — whether due to inattention, pressure to meet a deadline, or lack of experience handling tight turns — that could explain why they lost control.
Another key issue is whether this was purely a driver mistake or if the trucking company played a role. Was the driver adequately trained? Had they been on the road for too many hours, leading to fatigue? Was the truck properly maintained, or did a mechanical issue — such as faulty brakes — contribute to the crash? Investigators need to review black box data, maintenance records and the driver’s logs to get a clearer picture.
The fact that authorities are considering charges suggests they believe this was more than just an unavoidable accident. But before jumping to conclusions, a thorough investigation needs to determine whether the driver made a reckless mistake or if there were deeper issues, such as poor company policies or improper vehicle maintenance, that contributed to this deadly crash. If authorities don’t look beyond the crash scene, they may miss the real cause of what happened.
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