Authorities identified 81-year-old Edwin Charles Gieratz, of Fallon, as the man who lost his life following a multi-vehicle wreck on June 6 in Sparks.
The fatal four-vehicle pile-up was reported shortly before 7:30 a.m. on I-80 westbound near Washoe County mile marker 27 (west of the Patrick exit). According to the investigation reports, the driver of a red 1955 Studebaker coupe was heading west on Interstate 80 in the area of Washoe County mile marker 27 in the second travel lane, approaching congested traffic.
At the same time, a black 2017 Ford Fusion Sedan was going west in the first travel lane behind a gold 2004 Toyota Tacoma pickup. A fourth vehicle, a red 2022 International tractor-trailer combination was heading west in the second travel lane. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Studebaker made a lane change from the second to the first travel lane behind the Fusion that was slowing for jammed traffic.
The Studebaker crashed into the Fusion from behind, which was then pushed into the Tacoma. After that, the Studebaker rotated into the path of the International and the front of the International slammed into the right side of the Studebaker.
Due to the impact, the driver of the Studebaker, identified as 81-year-old Edwin Charles Gieratz, was ejected from the vehicle. He suffered major injuries and was declared dead at the scene by the officials. No other details are available.
The crash remains under review.
June 18, 2022
Source: News 4 & Fox 11