Identities of those involved in deadly motorcycle crash released

All three people involved in the July 6 crash between a motorcycle and truck were from South Lake Tahoe.

At 8:26 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, a Nissan truck driven by 54-year-old Michael Cearley made a left hand from Lake Tahoe Blvd onto Modesto Avenue, right in the path of a motorcyclist and his passenger who were riding westbound on Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Harrison Russel, 23, the driver of the motorcycle, was thrown from the bike as was his passenger, 21-year-old Skye Melzer.

Melzer was airlifted to Renown Medical Center where she died of her injuries on July 6.

Russel was taken to Barton Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released for bumps and bruises. Cearley had no injuries.

The case is still being investigated according to Lt. Brian Williams of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD). Once concluded, Williams told SouthTahoeNow that the results will be submitted to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s office for review.