Green River, WY — July 30, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 4:41 P.M. on Interstate 80.

According to reports, a Chevy pickup was towing a Chevy C10 along Interstate 80 when the towed vehicle began to swerve and fishtailed into the opposite lane, where the Chevy then over-corrected causing it to roll.

First responders arrived and found one of the three occupants, Tommy Ortega, fatally injured and pronounced him deceased, while no one else reportedly sustained injuries. Authorities have not released any updates on the status of the investigation.

Commentary

When a truck towing another vehicle loses stability, the situation can turn dangerous in just seconds. The real question after a crash like this is whether investigators will examine not only the driver’s actions but also the equipment and mechanics that may have contributed.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
A rollover involving a tow setup calls for careful scene reconstruction. Investigators should document the truck’s path, the angle of the rollover, and the movement of the towed vehicle. Measuring skid marks and debris spread can help determine whether the swaying began gradually or occurred suddenly. Without that level of detail, important clues about the chain of events may be lost.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Towing increases strain on both the lead vehicle and the one being pulled. A mechanical issue—such as problems with the hitch, trailer connection, brakes, or suspension—could cause instability and fishtailing. Likewise, issues with the towed C10 itself could have triggered the loss of control. Unless both vehicles and the towing equipment are thoroughly inspected, the role of mechanical failure can’t be ruled out.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The Chevy pickup may have stored pre-crash data, including speed, braking, and steering inputs. That information could confirm how the driver responded once the sway began. Dashcams, GPS devices, or nearby highway cameras might also provide additional clarity. Preserving that evidence quickly is key before it’s lost or overwritten.

Understanding what happened here requires looking beyond the surface and piecing together the driver’s actions, the condition of the vehicles, and the towing setup itself. Only then can the full cause come into focus.

Takeaways:

• Electronic data and video evidence can confirm how the driver reacted before the rollover.

• Tow-related rollovers require detailed reconstruction of the truck and trailer movement.

• Inspections should include both vehicles and all towing equipment.