Three-vehicle Douglas crash claims second victim

MINDEN - A second person has died following a three-vehicle accident Tuesday on Highway 395 near the intersection of Highway 88.

Pauline Kirk, 82, died at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Renown Medical Center in Reno where she was taken by helicopter following the 12:50 p.m. collision.

Her husband, Marvin Kirk, 75, was dead at the scene. A third person, 37-year-old Kristen Gingrich of Gardnerville, was taken to Carson Valley Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

Preliminary reports indicate that Kirk's van was traveling north on Highway 395 in the left-hand travel lane. The driver lost control, causing it to cross the median and into the southbound lane.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen said Wednesday that autopsy results were expected soon to determine whether Marvin Kirk died from the trauma of the accident or whether his death caused the crash.

"Death from a health issue is a possibility," Allen said. "We won't know until the results of the autopsy are completed."

He said Pauline Kirk suffered major injuries.

"We knew she was in serious condition. Coupled with the fact she was 82, that's a hard thing to survive," Allen said.

"Somebody lost two parents. That's never easy, but it's especially hard at this time of year."

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Gamberg, 688-2500.