In a tragic incident earlier this month, a devoted father of three lost his life in a head-on collision on a Wyoming highway, leaving his family grappling with profound grief. Drew Winter, 36, died on March 1 after losing control of his SUV on Highway 59, colliding with an oncoming truck around 8:40 p.m. local time. The driver of the truck, aged 39, was seriously injured and has since been hospitalised. The circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
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Drew’s widow, Ashley Winter, 40, spoke fondly of her late husband, describing him as their family’s “backbone” and recalling how he made them feel “so loved and wanted.” The couple, who began dating in June 2009, had built a beautiful family together, welcoming their first daughter, Amelia, known as Mia, in 2010. Mia was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, a complex genetic disorder that causes an unrelenting sense of hunger. Following her birth, Mia was taken to a hospital in Denver, where Drew was a constant source of support.
Ashley recalled Drew’s determination to provide Mia with the best possible life. “He would go to the Special Olympics with Mia, being her chaperone and cheering her on,” she noted. His deep connection with their daughter, who also faces additional challenges including a brain aneurysm and autism, was something Ashley cherished. “He wanted her to be treated normally. His love for her was the most special thing,” she added.
The couple later welcomed a second daughter, Amarie, and they purchased a home in Torrington, Wyoming, where they settled as a family. In June 2015, they tied the knot while Ashley was pregnant with their son, Aceson. Ashley described Drew as her “better half”, someone who could light up a room and make anyone laugh. “His smile was the best thing about him,” she reflected.
In the wake of the accident, the family is struggling to navigate their new reality. Ashley revealed that Drew was the primary provider for the household, and his absence is profoundly felt by all. She reminisced about cherished moments spent together, such as family dance parties and fishing trips, highlighting the strong bond Drew had formed with his children: 13-year-old Amarie through sports and 10-year-old Aceson through video games.
The impact of Drew’s loss is particularly complicated for Mia, who, at 15 years old, is unable to fully comprehend the tragedy. “I don’t know if she fully understands,” Ashley said, adding that Amarie is striving to be the strong one for her mother, while Aceson grapples with sensitivity and emotional struggle.
The community has rallied around the Winter family during this challenging time. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Ashley’s sister has raised over £15,000 to assist the family. A separate fundraiser was created for the other driver involved in the accident, who is now recuperating at home. “I am heartbroken for the other family that was involved,” Ashley expressed, reflecting on the wider implications of the incident.
In a celebration of Drew’s life held on March 13, Ashley was overwhelmed by the support she received and the outpouring of love from those he touched. “I never knew how many lives he touched,” she remarked. Moving forward, she is determined to keep Drew’s spirit alive for their children. “I want the kids to remember him for all the good times. I’m going to do my utmost to ensure that their daddy remains their everything.”
As the Winters attempt to cope with this life-altering tragedy, Ashley’s resolve to honour Drew’s legacy shines through. The family’s journey towards healing will undoubtedly be filled with both sorrow and joy as they carry forward the treasured memories of a beloved husband and father.