Churchill County releases name of driver in fatal Fallon crash

The name of the driver who was killed in a three-vehicle crash at Sheckler Cutoff and U.S. Highway 50 on Oct. 29 has been identified as William A. Fausey, 55, of Fallon.

Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox said Thursday he was given permission to release the name after the Washoe County medical examiner conducted an autopsy. Hickox said Fausey worked for Mackedon Ready Mix Concrete. Both Hickox and the Nevada Highway Patrol did not release the name after the crash pending further examination of the driver. NHP trooper Hannah DeGoey said the medical examiner needed to make a positive identification of the driver from various testing and records because fire was involved.

“Due to the extent of injuries sustained by the deceased, we have to wait on DNA analysis to confirm the identity,” she said after the crash.

DeGoey, however, said the NHP won’t be naming the other involved parties. She said the crash remains an open investigation, but the NHP spokesperson did not have an estimation when the report will be finished. Churchill County District Attorney Art Mallory said the minivan driver’s name would be released if charges are filed.

DeGoey also released the preliminary report. She said the investigation showed a white 2007 Chrysler Pacifica minivan was making a left turn from Roberson onto U.S. Highway 50 and failed to yield to two westbound vehicles, a Freightliner truck/tanker and a white 2016 Volkswagen Jetta sedan. During the collision, DeGoey said the Freightliner and Volkswagen were redirected across the highway and into the dirt shoulder on the eastbound side. According to the report, the front of the Jetta struck a section of a fence bordering a power transfer station, and the front of the Freightliner struck a power line support pole and gas main and caught fire.

The driver of the minivan was seriously injured and flown to Renown Medical Center in Reno, and the driver of the sedan walked away. The impact of the crash downed power lines that caused U.S. Highway 50 to close in both directions until crews from NV Energy replaced the posts.

This collision is still under investigation by the NHP Northern Command West Multi-Disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction Team (M.I.R.T.).