Wyoming Highway Patrol Investigates Crash That Killed Casper Student; Rohrer Family Forgives Driver
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has searched the sport utility vehicle as part of the investigation into the crash on Feb. 4 that resulted in the death of a Kelly Walsh High School student.
The SUV's driver, with 16-year-old passenger Aurora Rohrer, attempted to pass another westbound vehicle on U.S. Highway 20-26 before a hillcrest in a no-passing zone about 56 miles west of Casper.
The driver lost control, entered a spin and was hit by an oncoming pickup in the eastbound lane.
The Highway Patrol is investigating speeding too fast for highway conditions and passing in a no passing zone as contributing factors in the crash
It executed the search warrant on Feb. 5, according to an affidavit filed in Natrona County Circuit Court. It has not released the name of the driver.
The Highway Patrol requested the search warrant to determine whether a crime had been committed and whether a person committed it, according to the request for the warrant.
The investigation is standard procedure, District Attorney Mike Blonigen said.
"We always do a full investigation of any fatal car wreck, and the search warrants are just part of that," Blonigen said. "It's something pretty typical we do to research things like the black box and other questions we might have about the condition of the vehicle that was involved in the wreck."
An investigation does not necessarily mean charges will be filed, either, he said.
"But we do have an obligation to investigate each one of these," Blonigen said. "I'm sure the investigation will be submitted at some point, but no, there's nothing very unusual about this and it doesn't mean that necessarily that any charges going to result."
The Highway Patrol's investigation is a painful side effect of a tragedy that impacted the Aurora's high school and the community.
On Saturday, Kelly Walsh High School hosted a celebration of life in honor of Aurora, a member of the school's dance team.
At the end of the event, her father, Brian Rohrer, spoke on behalf of the family.
He said the family has had to struggle with anger issues, and it turns into resentment if left unchecked, he said.
"But when we are able to let go of that resentment, we are freely forgiving someone who has offended us," he said. "As imperfect people, we all make mistakes. Hence, it is wise on our part to be inclined to forgive others, because sooner or later we need to have others forgive us."
Forgiving others offers unity and peace, and the Rohrer family wants that to be extended to the driver of the SUV and her family, he said.
"We know in our hearts that Aurora would, too," he said. "Please consider these things when others may offend you."