ROCK SPRINGS (WNE) — What started as a simple Nov. 3 traffic stop outside Green River became a high-speed chase that ended with a fatal crash that claimed the life of the driver. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says it appears the man was transporting a substantial amount of marijuana.

Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers had stopped a 2021 Chrysler Van at milepost 80 on Interstate 80 near Green River for a traffic infraction. 

A backup trooper in the area arrived to assist with the traffic stop, but after conversing with the troopers for a short time, the driver attempted to jump back into the Chrysler and drive away.

Troopers tried to stop the driver from leaving but were unsuccessful. Troopers pursued the vehicle as the driver fled east on Interstate 80 towards Rock Springs. 

The pursuit reached speeds over 120 mph. Law enforcement successfully deployed spike strips around milepost 97 on Interstate 80 to deflate the vehicle’s tires.

The driver continued fleeing on I-80 before exiting the interstate at Exit 99. It was there that the man collided with the back of a belly dump combination commercial vehicle at a high rate of speed.

The driver of the pursued vehicle was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. Located inside his vehicle was approximately 83 pounds of suspected marijuana, the Highway Patrol said.

The patrol is withholding the identity of the deceased driver until his next of kin can be notified.