1 Dead After Semi Jackknifes, Hits Other Semi on I-80 in Wyoming

A tragic collision involving two semis on Interstate 80 in Rawlins earlier this month resulted in the death of a 70-year-old Alabama woman, the Wyoming Highway Patrol says.

The crash happened around 8:57 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, at milepost 215.39, near the Cedar Street exit.

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According to a fatality crash summary, a white Freightliner was westbound negotiating a bridge deck, when the driver lost control, jackknifed, went through the median cable barrier and guardrail, and collided with the cab of an eastbound red Freightliner.

The collision left Mary Couch, who was reportedly lying in the sleeper section of the cab, dead, and one of the drivers injured.

Speed Possibly to Blame

The summary says it was snowing and the interstate was icy and snowy at the time of the crash, and lists speed as a possible contributing factor.

Couch is the 19th reported person to die on Wyoming's highways this year.

According to her obituary (see below), Couch spent most of her career working in the trucking industry, the last 20 years as a team driver, and was just months away from retirement.

Mary Kathleen Couch
October 15, 1954 - March 15, 2025

Ms. Mary Kathleen Couch, age 70, of Lineville, AL passed away March 15, after a tragic tractor trailer accident in Rawlings, Wyoming. Born on October 15, 1954, in Alma, GA, she was a cherished mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Known for her vibrant smile, she would light up any room she walked into. She loved her family dearly and shared such a special bond with her sister.

Mary spent most of her career working in the trucking industry where she excelled and was promoted to various management positions. She was a strong leader, and many others looked up to her. She was known for building up other women and her reputation for doing so carried on even after she decided to leave the office to learn to drive herself. She spent the last 20 years as a team driver where she stayed gone for weeks at a time driving in the most treacherous conditions in the mountainous regions out west. Her strong work ethic and determination were evident in her commitment to the profession.

She was just months away from retirement and was looking forward to finally being able to spend more time with her family. Her legacy of love, laughter, and lasting memories lives on through her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Greg Landrum of Tallapoosa, GA; her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Martha Kelly of LaVernia, TX; her son and daughter-in-law Shaun and Miranda Wooten of Hazlehurst, GA. She also leaves behind beloved grandchildren- Kersten, Breanna, Michael, Montana, Zach, Ellie, Mary, Kali, Ella, Samson, Caedmon, and Christian - as well as great-grandchildren Austin, John, Kaylee, Saylor and Everleigh; her sister and brother-in-law Dwight, Ann Coates of Griffin, GA; her sister Linda Dell of Waycross, GA, and sister Gail Copland and family; nephews Shane and Derrick Coates; great niece Selisity Coates; and great nephew Kane Saye.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, James Christopher “Chris” Couch and her son, Michael Lee Kelly.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Couch will be held on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with pastor Blake Terry officiating. Graveside Interment will follow in the Yukon Cemetery. Pallbearers: Greg Landrum, Christian Landrum, Jeff Farris, Ethan Lepard, Shane Coates, and Cory Cronic.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28th, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of these arrangements.