Motorcyclist Dies After Crash Over Labor Day Weekend

After initial hopes of a fatality free holiday weekend, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that a motorcyclist from Sheridan died Wednesday night from injuries sustained in a crash that took place on Sept. 3. Della Watkins was riding her Harley-Davidson westbound on US 14 midday on Saturday behind two vehicles. She was trying to pass both vehicles at the same time when the pickup in front of the line slowed and turned left in front of her.

Watkins' motorcycle hit the left rear of the truck and she was thrown from the motorcycle. Authorities say she was not wearing a helmet. An ambulance transported 63-year-old Watkins seven miles to the Burgess Junction where she was transferred and flown by H.E.L.P. Flight helicopter to Saint Vincent Healthcare Hospital in Billings, Montana. She died on Sept. 7.

Wyoming highways have not had a fatality free Labor Day weekend since 1992. Preliminary numbers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol indicate Troopers investigated approximately 87 crashes and made approximately 64 arrests. Of those arrests, approximately 42 were for driving under the influence. All Troopers, including supervisors, were required to work over the holiday weekend.