Cyclist seriously injured in Cave Rock accident

A tractor trailer collided with a bicyclist inside the tunnel at Cave Rock on Thursday, resulting in serious injuries to the cyclist.

Clarence Aldridge, 48, from Bakersfield, CA was riding his bike eastbound on Highway 50 just before 10 a.m. July 10th. He was traveling through the Cave Rock tunnel at the same time Richard Pettay, 39, of Carson City, NV was driving his Kenworth tractor truck and trailer.

For reason unknown at this time Pettay did not see the bicyclist and the front of the tractor struck the rear of the bicycle. Aldridge was thrown from the bicycle inside the tunnel. After colliding with the bicycle Pettay exited the tunnel and stopped. Mr. Aldridge came to rest inside the tunnel in the right lane. He was stabilized by EMT’s and was later transported by Care Flight to Renown Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

Mr. Pettay is cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation. Alcohol or drugs is not a factor at this time. The accident is still under investigation. Charges are pending.

There is not a bike lane inside the two lane tunnel and the speed limit is 35 mile per hour.

Trooper Chris Kelly of the Nevada Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating this tragic event. Witnesses or anyone else with more information can reach out to him at (775) 689-4661 or ckelly@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-140700874.