Names in fatal Cave Rock accident released
Details of the fatal July 30 accident on Highway 50 at Cave Rock are emerging as Nevada Highway Patrol officers continue their investigation.
Sixteen people were involved in the three-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 3-year-old Caroline M. Maxfield of Centennial, Colo.
A child died in this car accident on July 30 near Cave Rock. Photo/Provided
Sylvia Hurtado of South Lake Tahoe was driving a black 2011 Cadillac SRX4 west when the vehicle crossed the double-yellow line and sideswiped a black 2008 GMC Yukon traveling east. Ross King of Centennial, Colo., had seven passengers in the Yukon. Every person in that vehicle was hurt when it rolled over.
The Cadillac then collided head-on with a red 2008 Chrysler Town & Country van driven by Emily Maxfield, of Centennial, Colo. She had six passengers. The child who died was Emily Maxfield’s daughter.
Witnesses to the crash and anyone with additional information are encouraged to contact Trooper Doug Hildebrand at (775) 689.4623 or dhildebrand@dps.state.nv.us.
— Lake Tahoe News staff report
I am so sad to hear of this accident…that stretch of road has always made me nervous. I feel so badly for the people involved. I know Sylvia professionally and my heart goes out to her as well as the injured and the family of the poor child who lost her life. In situations like this, it is so easy to demonize those involved, but I know that Sylvia has a wonderful, kind soul and must be feeling the tragic burden of this accident. I don’t know what actually happened and I can’t imagine the grief involved (on both sides), but can only hope that some degree of forgiveness can be brought forth…
This is so sad. Please everyone, try to remember to avoid driving the #1 lane next to the center median. For whatever reason Hurtado crossed the center lane, this might have been avoided with 2 lanes to recover. Use the #1 lane to pass and then go back to the slow lane. Share this advice with others and remind often.
My heart goes out to the Colorado families.
Yes, I agree with Johnny’s advice. Stay out of the #1 lane except to pass. I drive up & down Hwy 50 from the Bay Area to SLT & back alot, and I can’t tell you how many vehicles slip over that double yellow line. My sympathies to the Maxfield family (I can’t imagine their devastation), and hopes for a speedy recover to everyone else.
Ru and Johnny both well said.
Such heartache.
is anybody going to be charged because the three year old was not in a car seat,which is pure negligence,which the three year old lost her life because of the adults irresponsibility.
Agree with Johnny, every time I drive that road it amazes me that drivers stay in the fast lane when not passing.
I agree this is a dangerous stretch … they need to look into widening the road here
Is it true that the reason there are no center barriers on that stretch of road are due to TRPA restrictions? Just curious.
This summer there have been three major accidents (two fatal) on highway 50 between Cave Rock and Zephyr Cove. I think NDOT should consider putting up a median barrier to keep this section of road safe, especially since most people go over the 45 mph speed limit. A center median, similar to the one after Spooner Summit toward Carson City, would make this road much safer to drive. If there are regulations on putting up a median here, someone needs to seriously consider the regulation priorities since human lives are in danger and two have been lost in just a few short months.