JACKSON HOLE, WYO – With a heavy heart, Buckrail has learned that Gabriel Martinez Cortez, 36, of Jackson, was killed in a one-car crash on March 26 at 9:52 pm. The incident occurred on Highway 89 at Mile Post 97 about three miles south of Thayne.
A Highway Patrol spokesperson said Cortez was driving a 1990 Acura Legend traveling north when he failed to properly negotiate a left-hand curve in the highway. The vehicle crossed the centerline into southbound lane and drifted off the west shoulder. Cortez overcorrected the car to the right, sending the vehicle into a spin. During the spin, the car tripped and rolled multiple times.
Cortez was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. He sustained fatal injuries on scene.
The crash marked the 20th highway fatality in Wyoming for 2017. There were 11 fatalities during this same time period in 2016, 23 in 2015, and 26 in 2014.
Cortez was living at the Good Samaritan Mission. An employee there said a memorial service was held for the victim recently.
Cortez was a Sacramento, California native and an Army veteran.
