Flagger on WYDOT I-80 project killed by truck

 A 44-year-old Rawlins woman working as a traffic flagger on WYDOT's construction project on I-80 about 15 miles west of Rawlins was killed Thursday.

Shelly Yoho was struck by a tractor-trailer rig driven by Karama T. Leota, 50, of West Valley, Utah, who was arrested at the scene and is expected to face charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, reckless driving and failing to maintain a lane of travel.

Construction in the eastbound lanes at the site had resulted in head-to-head traffic and a reduced speed limit of 55 mph in the westbound lanes, beside which Yoho was flagging. 

The Wyoming Highway Patrol said Leota's Freightliner tractor and two trailers drifted off onto the shoulder, hit the guardrail protecting a bridge twice, and then struck Yoho. The truck ended up in the ditch beside the highway with both trailers overturned.

Yoho died at the scene. Leota and his passenger were uninjured.

The Patrol said fatigued or distracted driving are being investigated as contributing factors in the crash.

WYDOT urges drivers to be alert for construction zones, and comply with traffic control signs in those areas.