Fatal Truckee accident blamed on drugs, speed

Drugs and alcohol contributed to a fatal accident in Truckee last month, according to Truckee police officers.

Toxicology reports that just came back show Patrick Smiley, 36, had a blood alcohol level of 0.24 – three times the legal limit. He also had marijuana and barbiturates in his system, officers said.

“We know that any of these drugs can cause impairment” Sgt. Robert Womack said in a press release, “but we also know that these particular drugs have a synergistic effect, causing even more impairment when taken in combination. Any loss of life is tragic but these preventable deaths are especially painful.”

A passenger suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Renown Medical Center in Reno.

Smiley was driving on Glenshire Drive at Old Highway 40 on May 8 when he crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic and crashed. Officers said he was going 65 mph in a zone recommended for 30 mph. He died at the scene.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report