Laramie Man Struck and Killed on Wyoming Highway

The Wyoming Highway Patrol says a man was struck and killed by a car while apparently tending to an injured rabbit on a two-lane highway west of Laramie.

The patrol says 79-year-old William Kieren, of Laramie, died Sunday at a hospital in Fort Collins, Colo.

The accident occurred about 9 p.m. Saturday on Wyoming 230, about six miles west of Laramie.

Wyoming Trooper Sgt. Steven Townsend says Kieren had stopped his vehicle along the highway and was on or near the center line when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

Reports say the rabbit was still alive on the roadway and was eventually put down by a trooper.

Sgt. Townsend went on to say that when motorists notice an injured animal on the highway, it's best to report the problem instead of dealing with it yourself.

"It's best if he would have called the Sheriff's Department or the Highway Patrol.  We could have taken care of the animal for him," Townsend said.  "And when you see a vehicle stopped along the highway, pay attention to folks that may be in or around the vehicle.  Possibly reduce your speed and watch for pedestrians on the highway."