The heartbroken wife of a Wyoming man killed in a devastating head-on collision has revealed that their disabled daughter does not comprehend that her father is gone. Andrew Winter, a 36-year-old father of three, was tragically killed on Sunday evening around 8.40pm while driving to Gillette.
Fatal Collision on Highway 59
Winter's vehicle collided with another car driven by Cody Thomas on Highway 59. The fatal crash occurred as Thomas was traveling to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. While Winter lost his life at the scene, Thomas was transported to hospital with injuries. The investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, with authorities yet to determine the exact cause.
A Family's Devastating Loss
Winter's sudden death has left his wife Ashley and their three children struggling to process their immense loss. 'He brought a smile to every room, and he had a great personality,' Ashley Winter told Cowboy State Daily. 'He cared the most for his kids. When I was pregnant, our daughter was born with special needs, and he could have walked away and he stayed. He was her safe haven.'
The Winters' 15-year-old daughter was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder that causes:
- Lifelong learning challenges
- Insatiable hunger
- Low muscle tone
Because of her disability, their teenage daughter has not grasped that her father has passed away. Ashley explained that Winter had been by their daughter's side since her diagnosis, even accompanying her when she required airlifted specialty treatment. 'He got to bond first with her and they've had a special bond ever since,' she stated.
A Loving Father Remembered
Winter was remembered as a devoted family man whose world revolved around his wife and children. He shared special relationships with each of his children:
- His 15-year-old daughter with PWS, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond
- His 13-year-old daughter, who was his 'fishing buddy'
- His 10-year-old son, with whom he enjoyed playing video games like Fortnite
'We always had dance parties in the garage where dad would embarrass himself,' Ashley recalled fondly. Her sister, Courtney Simmons, has established a GoFundMe page to support the family during this difficult period, describing Winter as 'not only a devoted husband and father, but also a friend to many.'
Financial Uncertainty and Community Support
As the primary provider for his family, Winter's sudden passing has created significant financial uncertainty. 'It's going to be a long road; I really don't know how we are going to be able to survive without him,' Ashley confessed. By Thursday afternoon, the fundraising campaign had raised over $16,500 to assist the grieving family.
A celebration of Winter's life has been scheduled for March 13 at the Torrington Elks Lodge, according to his obituary. Meanwhile, Ashley expressed compassion for Cody Thomas and his family, stating she feels 'extremely bad' for them. 'We don't know what they are going through,' she acknowledged.
The Other Driver's Recovery
Cody Thomas, who was severely injured in the collision, has since been released from hospital and is recovering at home. His sister-in-law, Chantel Alcaraz, launched a separate GoFundMe page to support Thomas and his wife Courtney during his recovery. The accident has significantly impacted Thomas, who was pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy.
'Cody is a devoted father of four children and was on his way to the police academy when the accident occurred,' Alcaraz wrote. 'His dream of serving and protecting others has been put on hold, and the impact of this accident reaches every part of his life.' By Thursday afternoon, nearly $10,000 had been raised to support Thomas's family.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic collision that has irrevocably changed two Wyoming families.
