Wagonmaster Marv Wootan dies in auto wreck

Marv Wootan was one of the founders and the "wagonmaster" for the Three Island Crossing pioneer re-enactment.

An early morning accident outside of Ely, Nev., last Thursday claimed the life of a man who was the symbol of the Three Island Crossing event, and sent three other members of his family to hospitals.

Marvin W. Wootan, 75, of Hammett/Indian Cove, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene by deputy coroner Sgt. Scott Henroid of the White Pine County Sheriff's Office.

Evidence at the scene indicated the 2003 Ford pickup was traveling southbound on US 93 at approximately 3:30 a.m. when the truck crossed the center line of the highway into the northbound travel lane, going off the roadway and onto the gravel shoulder. Wootan then over-corrected his steering to the right causing the vehicle to begin to rotate clockwise. The pickup traveled back into the northbound travel lane, across the center line and into the southbound travel lane. He then over-corrected his steering to the left causing the vehicle to rotate counterclockwise and travel onto the west gravel shoulder and enter a broadside skid. The pickup then furrowed in and overturned before coming to rest on its top, authorities said.

His son, Wesley R. Wootan, of Glenns Ferry, riding in the right front passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle, suffering critical injuries.

Also sustaining critical injuries were Wes' wife, Christine Wootan, and their daughter, Wendy Bingham. Bingham's two small children, ages 8 months and 3 years, who had been secured in child safety seats were uninjured.

The three adults were initially transported to William B. Ririe Hospital in Ely and were expected to be transported to hospitals in Salt Lake City.

The four generations had been on the way to Arizona for a family reunion when the accident occurred.

Marv Wootan was perhaps best known for his role as Wagon Master for the Three Island Crossing historic reenactment in Glenns Ferry. With his oxen, Jake and Josh, Wootan quickly won the hearts of participants and spectators alike. Although he retired as wagon master last year, he continued to take an active role in the annual event.

Wootan played a major role in helping to establish The Crossing interpretive center at the state park in Glenns Ferry and was largely responsible for bringing the Shoshone-Paiute tribes' participation in the event. The Native Americans showed their love and respect for Wootan, giving him an Indian name that translates to "Protector of the Tribe."

Although Marv 'retired' many years ago, he remained busy. He often helped with classes at the World Wide Equine Dentistry, and continued to help in the potato cellars during harvest season.