Two die in head-on crash

WORLAND (WNE) — Washakie County emergency crews responded to a head-on collision Wednesday night, Jan. 28, on U.S. 20 south of Worland that resulted in the death of two young Thermopolis men.

Investigations that night found a northbound Jeep Renegade had drifted across the centerline and into the southbound lane, according to Wyoming Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Aaron Brown. 

The driver of a southbound Chevy Silverado Wyoming Gas pickup spotted the oncoming vehicle and attempted to avoid the crash by steering right. Both vehicles collided head-on near the southbound fog line. The Renegade rolled into the southbound right of way onto its roof and caught fire.

The occupants of the Renegade, identified as William Jamieson, 21, of Kingman, Arizona, and Jack Whittaker, 21, of Thermopolis, were both declared deceased at the scene.

The occupants of the Chevy Silverado, Jason Bushur, 55, and Troy Nicodemus, 53, both of Thermopolis, were taken by ambulance to the Washakie Medical Center.

Road conditions were dry, and speed is considered to be a contributing factor in the crash, according to Brown.

The two fatalities were the fifth and sixth fatalities this year. 

Brown said most recently the contributing factors have been speed and distracted driving.

He encouraged drivers to pay attention while driving to road and weather conditions (including wind), do not drink and drive and “get off your phones while driving.”

This story was published on Feb. 5, 2026.