Wyoming Teen Dead After Allegedly Jumping Out of Moving SUV

An 18-year-old Wyomingite is dead after allegedly jumping out of a moving SUV, authorities say.

According to a fatality crash summary from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at milepost 1.5 on Rendezvous Road, just south of Riverton.

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The summary says an SUV was traveling westbound when, for unknown reasons, the passenger, Stephanie Grace Bearstail, allegedly jumped out of the SUV.

According to her obituary (see below), Bearstail was from Fort Washakie and was pursuing studies in the medical sciences.

'A Void No One Can Fill'

"Stephanie’s warmth, laughter, and adventurous spirit will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her," her obituary reads. "She was such a sweet girl who loved to terrorize. Her absence has left a void no one can fill. Her bright personality, loving heart and goofy ways will surely be missed."

Bearstail is the 16th reported person to die on Wyoming's highways this year.

Stephanie Grace Bearstail

December 18, 2006 - March 4, 2025

Stephanie Grace Bearstail, 18, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming died on March 4, 2025. The Visitation and All Night Wake will begin 6:00 pm, Sunday, March 9, 2025 in the Rocky Mountain Hall, 19 North Fork Road, Fort Washakie, Wyoming 82514. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 am, Monday, March 10, 2025 also in the Rocky Mountain Hall. Burial will follow in the Yellow Calf Cemetery.
Stephanie entered this world as a bundle of joy, her radiant smile bringing happiness to all who knew her. From an early age, she was full of life and curiosity, forming complete sentences by the age of two. She quickly became the little boss of the family—never one to be denied the last word.
She began her education at Fort Washakie School and later attended Lander High School for two years. She also spent a semester at Sherman High School in California before returning home to complete her studies at Fort Washakie High School, where she challenged herself by taking college credit courses through Central Wyoming College. With a passion for helping others, she was pursuing studies in the medical sciences.
An active and determined spirit, Stephanie participated in volleyball, basketball, track, and bowling, and she had a special love for softball. She found joy in baking, bonding with family and friends, and exploring new creative hobbies. She enjoyed listening to music, watching her favorite shows—including Tim Burton movies—and capturing memories through photography. She also loved drawing, coloring, and collecting mini brands and Lego flowers. She enjoyed her crafts, pottery and her own DIY projects and Johnny said her most favorite was gardening.
Stephanie’s warmth, laughter, and adventurous spirit will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her. She was such a sweet girl who loved to terrorize. Her absence has left a void no one can fill. Her bright personality, loving heart and goofy ways will surely be missed.
She is survived by her parents Kevin JR & Nikki Ferris. brothers Wesley Bearstail (Alayah), Trey Ferris, Johnny Ferris, Rylan Day, Mariano Garcia, Tyler Bell, Great Grandmas  Katherine Ferris, Jeanie Harris. Grandparents: Kevin SR & Sherry Ferris, Elizabeth Quiver, Madelyn Day, Greg Day, Wilmer Day, Audrey Addison, Herman & Darla Quiver, Cathy & Jim Shakespeare, Myrtle Underwood, Willie (Veronica) Ferris, Dee Dee (Donna) Ferris, Barbara & Rich Mireau, Anita Lajeunesse, Tony (Leo) Timbana, Herman Ferris, Terry Roberts, Shawnna Wilcox, Aunties and Uncles: Leslie Shakespeare (Terri), Megan & KB Bearrus, Allison & Paul Warren, Kenneth Ferris, Ransom Ferris, Rhoni Ferris (Kapeli), Sky Galindre, Jeremy Day, Jacob Day, Melissa Day, Graci Day (Lenny), Tammi & MJ Hill, David Day III, Mary Rose Day, Kailyn Washakie (Chaske), Tiffany Day (James), Wilmer Lee & Rhonda Day, Dawn Addison, Brittney Sleeper, Holly Quiver, Kari Quiver, Dallen & Helen Shakespeare, Jami Shakespeare, Weston Shakespeare, Adrina Duran Taiyah Duran, Janie Duran, Kalissa Underwood, Kaden Underwood, George Quiver, Sherman Quiver, Lionel Quiver, Henry Quiver, Chris Quiver, Leticia Quiver, Missy Ann Hereford, Steven Carpenter, Dodi Carpenter, Neal & Tsaytah Ferris, Morning Rae & Tara Ferris, Davi Ann Ferris, Allie Joe Ferris, Dionne Ferris, Shane Brown (Jocelyn), Nicolette Brown, Claullen Tillman, Kate Tillman (Kelly), Jordan Timbana, Sierra Ferris, Kyle Ferris, Will Ferris, Sam Wilcox, Kortni & Adam Logan, Lauren Bell & Alan White, Lonnie Bell, Gail St. Clair & Cody Teichert, Lillian McBride & DJ Hereford, Heather & Floyd Azure, Rosa Burnett (Charles), Mellissa Fawson, Chay Schneider. Reno Quiver. Tim & Tara Robinson, Numerous cousins & relatives.
Preceded in death by: Jeffrey Quiver-Day, Dawn Day, Katelyn Galindre, Mary Jean & David Day, Albert Quiver, Delane Gould-Tidzump, Wilfred Shorty Ferris, Judy Chinjay, Rach Hurtado, Sherman Quiver, Roxanne Quiver, Lorenda Quiver, Jeremy Harris, Catherine Timbana, Shannon Hurtado, Sammi Jo Ferris, Howard Addison, Joshua Addison, Jenice Timbana, Darien Ferris, Brianna Brown, Little Dee Dee Ferris. Joshua Hurtado, Forgive us if we have forgotten anyone through this hard time.