Cheyenne Student Struck at Windmill and Pershing Intersection

A 14-year-old Cheyenne East High School student was hospitalized on Monday after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Windmill Road and East Pershing Boulevard. The crash occurred around 7:22 a.m. as the freshman crossed the street on her way to school. She suffered a broken collarbone, three broken ribs, bruising, and road rash. Doctors admitted her to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for overnight observation to monitor her lungs.

Madison Barbee, the girl's aunt and a former student at the same high school, received the news at 7:28 a.m. A witness at the scene called the girl's grandmother, who is also her legal guardian. The grandmother then contacted Barbee. The driver of the Jeep Wrangler remained at the scene and was cited for failure to yield. Barbee said the driver was a grandparent taking a child to school, and the passenger called police.

This is not the first time the family has faced danger at this specific corner. About 10 years ago, Barbee was struck by a student in the same crosswalk while attending Cheyenne East. She escaped with minor injuries but changed her route for the rest of the year. The following year, her best friend was hit at a nearby crosswalk. Barbee noted that close calls between students and vehicles were common during her four years at the school.

State transportation records indicate long-standing safety issues at this location. A 2016 Wyoming Department of Transportation plan documented three pedestrian crashes and two bicycle crashes at Windmill Road and Pershing Boulevard during a prior five-year study. The report cited accessibility problems with ramps and visibility issues caused by a business sign on the northeast corner. In 2021, two more students were hit by a GMC Acadia at the same intersection. That driver was also cited for failure to yield.

The 2021 incident followed a fatal crash of a 13-year-old McCormick Junior High student on Western Hills Boulevard. Laramie County School District 1 Superintendent Margaret Crespo addressed parents about student safety and initiated a safety audit. A Safe Routes to School study finalized in 2025 identified Pershing Boulevard near East High as a problem area due to high speeds and wide crossings. The report recommended narrowing travel lanes and adding pedestrian signals and curb extensions.

Construction plans for the intersection are already in motion. On Nov. 3, six days before Monday's crash, the city of Cheyenne advertised a project to replace the traffic signal system at Windmill and Pershing. The scope includes new signs, pavement markings, pedestrian safety features, and improvements to sidewalks and curbs. City Engineer Thomas Cobb listed the intersection for design efforts in 2027 and 2028 in June. Contractors have until Dec. 15 to submit bids.

Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco urged drivers to be cautious during peak school hours. He stated that pick-up and drop-off times are especially dangerous near school zones. He asked citizens to slow down and eliminate distractions. Police did not specify if speed or distraction caused Monday's crash.

Barbee advocates for better protections around secondary schools. She criticized the lack of school-zone signs for high schools and described incidents where drivers honked at stopped buses. She said the community needs to recognize that children are vulnerable and require protection. The injured student, who turns 15 on Saturday, plays bass drum in the Thunderbird marching band and was preparing for all-state auditions.