A family from Akron, Colorado reeling from huge loss following a fatal crash in Wyoming

A deadly crash near Lusk, Wyoming, has left three people dead and two others injured.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the collision happened late Friday night, May 1^st, along U.S. Highway 85 near mile marker 159.

Investigators say a semitrailer was parked in a northbound pullout at the top of a hill. As the driver attempted to merge back onto the highway, the truck’s transmission reportedly slipped into neutral, leaving the vehicle unable to move forward.

The driver then attempted a U-turn across the highway to reach a southbound pullout. During that maneuver, the semi came to a stop, blocking both lanes of traffic.

Just after 11:20 p.m., the southbound pickup truck crested the hill and crashed into the side of the trailer.

Three people in the pickup were killed. They have been identified as Craig Gates and Donna Gates, along with a juvenile female whose name has not been released. All were from Akron, Colorado.

Authorities say the juvenile was asleep in a camper in the bed of the truck at the time of the crash.

Two additional people in the pickup, the sister and the mother of the deceased girl, were seriously injured and transported for medical care. Their conditions have not been released.

Classes at the school on Monday, where the young victim attended in Akron, were canceled, and a candlelight vigil was held for her and her grandparents, Craig and Donna Gates.

The crash remains under investigation by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.