Fatal collision on US50 west of Lake Tahoe

Two people were seriously injured and another died due to a collision on US50 near Fresh Pond on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

At approximately 6:20 p.m., 89-year-old Jean Macke of Fair Oaks, California was driving her 2014 Ford Escape eastbound on US-50, just west of Fresh Pond, at a speed of approximately 65 MPH. At the same time, Silun Xie, 56, was driving a 2013 Toyota Sienna with his passenger Xumin Yang, 55, westbound on US-50. They are from both from Riverbank, Calif.

For reasons still under investigation, as Macke approached a slight curve in the roadway, she allowed her vehicle to exit the eastbound lane, cross over the double solid yellow lines and into the number one lane of westbound US-50. As a result, the front of her Ford struck the front of the Toyota.

Xie and Yang suffered major injuries as a result of this collision. Macke died at Marshall Hospital. It is unknown at this time the current conditions of the injured pair.

Traffic was backed up for miles as crews worked at the scene, resulting in lane closures. All lanes were reopened around 7:45 p.m.

The collision is still under investigation and the California Highway Patrol has yet to determine if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor.