Speed Possibly to Blame for Crash That Killed Wyoming Teen

Authorities say speed may be to blame for a rollover crash that left a 19-year-old Wyoming driver dead and his passenger injured.

According to a fatality crash summary from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 at milepost .2 on Bypass Road near Gillette.

Get our free mobile app

The summary says Brandon Cossitt was behind the wheel of a westbound GMC Acadia when the SUV went off the road and overturned several times.

Cossitt was not wearing his seat belt and died from his injuries.

His passenger was also reportedly injured in the crash, but the summary did not say to what extent.

Cossitt is the 21st reported person to die on Wyoming's highways so far this year.

According to his obituary (see below), Cossitt was a certified welder and worked at Red River, a metal fabricator in Gillette.

Brandon Leo Cossitt

Brandon Leovardo Cossitt passed away on April 20, 2024 in Gillette, WY. He was the son of Jamie Cossitt and Leovardo Villarreal, Jr of Powell and was born in Cody, Wyoming on May 4, 2004.

Brandon attended school in Powell. He enjoyed camping and riding bikes with his friends. As he got older those bikes gained motors and off he would go riding dirt bikes with his friends and family members

He attended Western Wyoming College in Gillette and became a Certified Welder. His hobbies included Vehicle Mechanics. He was employed at Red River in Gillette.

Brandon is survived by his mother, Jamie Cossitt, his father, Leovardo Villareal, Jr. both of Powell, his brothers, Connor Villarreal, Trenton Madson and Michael Madson, and his grandfathers Frank Cossitt and Leovardo Villarreal.

He was preceded in death by: Darla Cossitt (Grandmother), and Irma Villarreal (Grandmother), Robert Villarreal (Uncle) and Alexis Rene Escobeo.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 2, at Thompson Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life is planned as a Pot Luck and will be held that afternoon, Thursday, May 2, at The Commons in Powell at 2:00 pm.

Memorials may be sent to Thompson Funeral Home, PO Box 807, Powell, WY 82435