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Woman killed, 2 injured in northern Wyoming crash caused by distracted FedEx driver

Posted at 11:34 AM, Dec 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-12 13:54:26-05

SHERIDAN, Wyo. – A 23-year-old woman from Sheridan, Wyo. died on Tuesday north of Sheridan after a FedEx pickup truck crashed into the back of her crossover SUV.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Shariah L. Harper was stopped behind a Chevrolet Silverado on WY HWY 338, which was waiting for traffic to clear to turn left onto WY HWY 339.

A Ford F-250 FedEx pickup, driven by Todd A. Kohler, 52 of Sheridan, collided into the rear of both vehicles.

In a press release, patrol Sgt. Jeremy Beck said driver inattention and cell phone use is being investigated as the reason Kohler didn’t notice the stopped vehicles.

Harper was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

The driver of the Silverado, a 71-year-old woman from Dayton, Wyo., was also wearing a seatbelt and was taken to the hospital for injuries.

Kohler was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to the hospital for injuries, Beck said.

As of Friday morning, Kohler was no longer at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and he was not booked into the Sheridan County Jail.

Jim Masilak, a media relations manager with FedEx sent this statement to KTVQ on Wednesday:

“Our thoughts and condolences are with those affected by this tragic accident. Safety is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with investigating authorities.”

The crash is under investigation by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Sheridan County attorney will determine any possible charges.