3 people killed in crash east of Dayton identified

Three people killed Wednesday in an crash on U.S. Highway 50, about 5 miles east of Dayton, have been identified.

Dayton residents Ellis Lee and Louise Erwin were eastbound on Highway 50 when Lee, 73, allowed his Ford F-150 to drift into the westbound lanes.

It collided with a white Toyota Camry driven by Dayton Valley resident Michelle Marie Stratton, 43, about 3:31 p.m., according to the Nevada Highway Patrol

All three died at the scene.

The westbound lanes were closed until about 9 p.m. as an investigation continued, and one eastbound lane was open. Westbound drivers were directed to drive on the dirt shoulder of the road.

It’s unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

Trooper Doug Hildebrand of the Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact him at 775-688-2500 or dhildebrand@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-1230700961