By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer.
SPOONER SUMMIT, Nev. (June 15, 2025) — A Sunday afternoon crash on US-50 westbound near Spooner Summit resulted in the death of one adult female and injuries to four others, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP).
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on June 15 near Golf Club Drive, just east of Lake Tahoe, on the Carson City side of Spooner Summit. NHP investigators say a Honda utility vehicle was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed when it failed to navigate a curve, sideswiped a Volvo, and then careened off the right shoulder. The Honda overturned, ejecting two of its occupants.
“Speed and impairment are both being considered as contributing factors in this crash,” said NHP Sergeant Chris Brown in a public statement.
Emergency responders declared one adult female deceased while she was en route to the hospital. The four other occupants of the Honda — two adult males, one juvenile male, and another adult female — sustained injuries ranging from moderate to critical. Two were transported by air ambulance, and two by ground ambulance, with the park-and-ride area at the base of Spooner Summit used as the helicopter landing zone.
The Volvo involved in the crash had two occupants, neither of whom were injured.
Authorities initially received conflicting reports, including an early dispatch suggesting a cyclist may have been involved. However, Sgt. Brown later confirmed there were no bicycles associated with the incident.
This collision occurred just hours after another crash in the same vicinity — a motorcycle accident around 1:20 p.m. on Sunday also near Golf Club Drive. That rider was airlifted to Renown Regional Medical Center, though their condition remains undisclosed.
As of 8:00 p.m. Sunday, one westbound lane on US-50 remained closed while NHP continued its investigation.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released pending family notification.
This section of US-50, known for its scenic yet sharp curves, has been the site of multiple accidents in recent years, prompting safety concerns and calls for increased patrol and signage.