Cyclist, driver in Hwy. 50 crash identified

Updated July 11 1:10pm

The 2004 Kenworth tractor truck and trailer that hit the cyclist July 10 was driven by Richard J. Pettay, 39, of Carson City. The bike rider, 48-year-old Clarence M. Aldridge of Bakersfield, remains at Renown Medical Center in Reno with severe injuries.

Pettay did not see the bicyclist and the front of the tractor struck the rear of the bicycle. Aldridge was thrown from the bicycle inside the tunnel.

Alcohol or drugs is not a factor.

Witnesses or anyone else with more information are asked to call 775.689.4661 or email ckelly@dps.state.nv.us.

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A cyclist was seriously injured Thursday morning when he was struck by a truck inside Cave Rock.

The name and hometown of the man on the bike and the driver of the truck have not been released. They were heading east toward Carson City.

According to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dave Gibson, the man sustained life-threatening injuries. He was CareFlighted to Renown Medical Center in Reno.

More cyclists are in the area now because the annual Death Ride is this weekend.

The investigation is ongoing to determine what happened. The tunnel is narrow and a lane is not wide enough for a bike and vehicle. There is a button cyclists may push that triggers a flashing light to warn motorists there is a cyclist in the tunnel.

The 10am July 10 accident closed down Highway 50 for several hours. All lanes of traffic are now open.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report