Body of missing Sparks woman found near Incline Village

The Nevada Highway Patrol say a Sparks woman missing over two weeks has been found dead, the apparent victim of a single vehicle rollover crash near Sand Harbor

72-year-old Betti Jean Fernandes left a home on Millstone Court to go for a drive Monday, November 30, 2015 and did not return. Her family had not heard from her since.

A photographer was in the area when he spotted the wreckage with Fernandes' body inside on December 14. The southbound travel lane of SR28 was shut down for several hours while the crash scene was investigated.

The crash investigation details indicate that a green 2000 Subaru Outback driven by 72 year old Sparks resident Betti Jean Fernandes was traveling southbound on SR28 south of Sand Harbor. The vehicle drifted off the right paved shoulder down an embankment and overturned. The vehicle came to rest on its top facing northwest 50-100 feet down an embankment.

Troopers believe the crash took place shortly after Fernandes disappeared, and the wreckage had been there unseen since then.

According to the Washoe County Coroner’s Office they have yet to determine whether it was a medical issue or injuries incurred during the course of the crash that caused the death.

Trooper Chris Kelly of the Nevada Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team (MIRT) is investigating this incident. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information related to this incident is encouraged to reach out to him at (775) 689-4625 or Ckelly@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-151201357.