Driver dies in 2-vehicle accident in Truckee

One person died and another was seriously injured May 8 in Truckee. Photo/Provided

An Arizona man died Sunday night in a two-vehicle accident in Truckee.

Patrick Wayne Smiley, 36, of Chandler, Ariz., was going east on Glenshire Drive near Old Highway 40 when his Suzuki drifted across the centerline and struck a 26-foot truck, according to Truckee officers.

“Based on the initial information gathered, excessive speed appears to have played a role in the collision. It is unknown at this time if intoxicants were involved but that will be investigated further,” Sgt. Russ Walsh said in a statement.

Smiley was pronounced dead at the scene. Amber Harder, 30, of Truckee was a passenger in the vehicle. She sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Renown Medical Center in Reno after the 7:21pm May 8 collision.

The two occupants of the box truck were not injured.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report