Gardnerville man dies in three-car collision on US50 near Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 5:20pm
ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) has released its preliminary investigation results on Sunday's fatal collision on U.S.50 near Marla Bay.
On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at approximately 5:11 p.m., NHP responded to the crash between three vehicles at Douglas County Mile Marker 3 (the curve between Marla Bay and Zephyr Cove).
Their investigation shows a silver 2015 Subaru Impreza was eastbound in the right lane on US-50 approaching a green 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickup. The Tacoma was traveling eastbound on US-50 in the left lane. The driver of the Subaru failed to maintain their travel lane and entered the left lane occupied by the Tacoma. The
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma pickup, 52-year-old Gardnerville resident Rafael Cortez, died at the scene. His passenger was transported to Reno via Careflight with severe injuries.
The driver of the Subaru was also transported to Reno via Careflight.
Their conditions are unknown at this time.
The occupants of the Corolla were treated at the scene.
A Go Fund Me account has been set up by Cortez's family to help with funeral expenses.
Impairment is suspected in this crash but no details have been released and all information here is the result of a preliminary investigation.
This crash is being investigated by the Nevada Highway Patrol Northern Command West Multi-Disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team (M.I.R.T.) - NHP Case #210300443.