Casper Community Mourns Loss of Teen in Tragic Elk Collision

The city of Casper is grappling with the devastating loss of 18-year-old Sammantha Brooks, who tragically lost her life in a high-speed collision with an elk on Wyoming Highway 487.

On the evening of July 14, a vehicle carrying Sammantha, her twin sister Hannah Brooks, and two friends was traveling northbound when the driver attempted to avoid an elk on the roadway.

Despite efforts to evade the animal, the car struck the elk and subsequently rolled over.

Sammantha, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Her sister Hannah survived the crash, thanks in part to a friend who held onto her as the vehicle rolled, preventing her from being thrown from the car.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation's fatal crash map indicates that excessive speed and driver fatigue may have been contributing factors in the accident.

The report also notes that Sammantha was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Sammantha's mother, Sarah Hardy, described her daughter as a "ray of light" who was always willing to help others.

"She was always helpful, always willing to lend a piece of advice," Hardy said.

"Through whatever struggles she was going through in young adult and teenage life, she always made time to talk to friends and sit with them and help them."

Sammantha was employed as a server at Texas Roadhouse and had recently moved out of her family home, embarking on her journey into adulthood.

She was working towards obtaining her GED and had aspirations of pursuing a career in the medical field as a certified nursing assistant.

Her twin sister, Hannah, is struggling to cope with the loss.

"She feels like she really lost her person, her best friend who has helped her through everything," Hardy shared.

The tragedy has placed a significant emotional and financial burden on the family.

Hardy, who also works at Texas Roadhouse, has been unable to return to work as she arranges funeral services for Sammantha.

In response, coworker Alicen Outlaw initiated a fundraising campaign to support the family during this difficult time.

Outlaw, who considered Sammantha like a daughter, remarked, "She was probably the kindest and purest soul I have ever known in my entire life."

This incident underscores the dangers of high-speed travel on Wyoming's highways, particularly in areas frequented by wildlife.

According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation, there is a 79% chance of a driver colliding with wildlife on Wyoming roads, resulting in approximately $50 million in damages annually.

As the Casper community mourns the loss of Sammantha Brooks, her family and friends remember her as a compassionate and vibrant young woman whose presence will be deeply missed.

They hope that her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the unpredictable nature of Wyoming's roadways.