Trooper and K9 Officer survive Star Valley crash

A Wyoming State Trooper K-9 Team and another motorist were injured at 6:12 p.m. in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 89.

The accident happened at milepost 105, about 20 miles north of Afton, Wyoming after the trooper had stopped to turn around and assist a motorist with a tire change.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, 11-year WHP Trooper Scott Neilson made a U-turn from a stopped position and did not see a northbound 2011 Chevy Silverado pickup. The pickup, driven by Kenneth Magrath, 58, of Thayne collided with the cruiser in the middle of US 89.

After the crash, the K-9, named Hunter, escaped from the patrol vehicle and ran from the crash scene.

WHP troopers, with help from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and a large community turnout eventually located the dog after tracking Hunter in the snow for approximately three miles in minus 15 degree temperatures.

Magrath was wearing his seat belt and was transported to Star Valley Medical Center in Afton where he was treated and released.

Trooper Neilson was hospitalized at Star Valley Medical Center with nonlife-threatening injuries.

K-9 Hunter was taken to the Carter Animal Hospital in Thayne and received a clean bill of health.

WHP Colonel Kebin Haller stated “This event is yet another example of the high level of quality our Wyoming citizens possess from the support that was provided to our K-9 Team last night. This couldn’t have ended any better.”