Cody, WY (August 13, 2026) – Four motorcycles, a pickup truck, and a Wyoming Department of vehicle were involved in a fatal accident on August 12 on U.S. Highway 14/16/20 near Wapiti, between Cody and Yellowstone National Park. One person died, while five others were seriously hurt.
One person was taken by LifeFlight to a hospital in Billings, Montana, while three others were taken by ambulance to Cody Regional Health. The driver of the WYDOT truck was not hurt, and the vehicle was struck near the end of the collision.
The highway was closed in both directions around 9:38 a.m. while emergency units worked on-site. By 2:50 p.m., debris had been cleared, and traffic had resumed in both directions.
The deceased person’s name had not been released because next-of-kin notification was still pending. The investigation into the cause of the wreck remains underway.
Our deepest sympathies go to the family and loved ones of the person who died.
What Is Typically Examined After a Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle crashes can involve several factors, including vehicle movements, roadway conditions, visibility, and traffic patterns. Investigators may review photographs, vehicle damage, witness accounts, and available records to establish what happened.
Medical records can also provide information about the severity of injuries after a serious collision. When several vehicles are involved, the sequence of contact between them may require careful examination. Road conditions, weather, lighting, and the position of each vehicle can also help establish how the collision developed.
Motorcycle riders generally have less physical protection than people inside passenger vehicles. Helmets and other protective equipment can reduce the severity of some injuries, although they cannot eliminate the risks associated with a major collision.
