Firefighter from Zephyr Cove dies in Northern Nevada crash

A single-vehicle crash has claimed the lives of two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) firefighters, one who is from Zephyr Cove. One other BLM firefighter was injured.

On Sunday evening, the firefighters were returning to Winnemucca after looking for lightning-sparked wildfires in Northern Nevada. NHP said tire failure may have caused the crash near the junction of State Highway 140 and U.S. 95 at about 5:00 p.m.

According to the BLM, the driver of the BLM fire truck was 27-year-old Jacob O'Malley of Zephyr Cove. The right front passenger was 22-year-old Will Hawkins of Reno. Both men died in the crash. NHP said the third man, 23-year-old Zachery McElroy of Reno was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center by helicopter with non-life-threatening injuries.

"Our hearts are heavy, but our focus, our thoughts, and our prayers are with the families of these extraordinary brave people who served to protect the people of Nevada and the public lands that belong to all of us," said Nevada BLM State Communications Chief Steve Clutter.

- South Tahoe Now staff report
Nevada Highway Patrol and local agencies formed a procession Monday from Winnemucca to Reno, ending at the corner of East Second Street and Kirman Avenue.