Austin Judy Killed in Truck Accident on US-20 near Lusk, WY
Lusk, WY — January 25, 2023, 31-year-old Austin Judy was fatally hit by a semi-truck while standing near his car on U.S. Highway 20 near Lusk.
Authorities say the incident happened around 11:45 p.m. along US-20 near mile marker 34.5. Preliminary investigation suggests Judy's Audi vehicle had run into the road's south ditch due to icy road conditions. He was standing near the vehicle as a tow truck pulled it out of the ditch when a semi-truck approached on the road. The truck driver reportedly tried to steer clear of the Audi and the tow truck but lost control on the ice as well, then hit the Audi and Judy.
Austin Judy was fatally injured in the crash. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
Frankly I find the preliminary reports about this accident pretty troubling. It's one thing to see a civilian lose control and slide off an icy road, but to see a professional driver with specialized training make essentially the same mistake is more than a little concerning—particularly considering the fatal injuries that followed.
I'm not saying icy roads are nothing to truckers, but between their extensive training and federal laws requiring them to take particular care in hazardous conditions one might understandably believe this could have been avoided. Since it wasn't, it's important to find out more about why not. How fast was the truck traveling? Was that speed reasonable for conditions? How far away from the crash site did the driver first see it, or did he before he was on top of it? Was he awake, alert, and paying attention to his surroundings? If not, why not? If so, what else might have happened that kept the truck from staying on-course? What was visibility like along that stretch of road?
I don't know more than reports can say about what happened on US-20, but that's my point: They don't say much. If the news cycle quickly moves on to other things maybe the public won't get much in the way of updates, but certainly that man's family deserves to know more. I just hope before all is said and done that Wyoming authorities will bring them clearer answers, and perhaps with them some peace of mind.
