Carson City man identified in fatal crash near Gerlach

A man who died in a head-on crash near Gerlach Sunday has been identified as 61-year-old Lonnie Richey of Carson City.

The crash happened Sunday, August 25, 2019 around 12:05PM on Washoe County Highway 34 north of Gerlach, and snarled Burning Man traffic for several hours.

Bob Harmon with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office says Richey was driving a pickup truck and crossed over the center line, crashing head-on with an RV. Richey was pronounced dead at the scene. Two people inside the RV were treated on scene for minor injuries.

Harmon says fatigue may have been a factor in the crash.

Burning Man organizers suggested people in Reno stay in Reno Sunday night and head out on Monday.

The Nevada Department of Transportation had also asked people traveling to Burning Man to consider waiting if they had not left Interstate 80.

Governor Steve Sisolak tweeted Sunday, "My condolences and prayers to all those involved in today’s accident. Please remember to be safe & follow @nevadadot & @burningman for traffic updates."