Nevada State Police identify men who died in July crash on I-80 in Reno
Nevada State Police has identified two men who died in a vehicle crash that happened July 3 on I-80 near Robb Drive in Reno.
Christian Alicea, 29, of Sparks and Jacob Merritt, 25, of Reno, died from injuries in the crash involving a Honda CRV and another vehicle at around 10:50 p.m. near Robb Drive, Mile Marker 8, in Reno.
According to Nevada State Police Highway Patrol, the preliminary investigation indicates that a red 2002 Honda CRV with two occupants, driver and passenger, was traveling westbound on I-80 in the number two travel lane west of Robb Drive.
For reasons not determined at this time, the Honda entered the right shoulder of I-80 westbound and struck a metal guard rail. The Honda overturned and came to rest on its side in between the number one and two travel lane of westbound I-80, according to NSP.
A red 1999 Cadillac Escalade was traveling westbound on IR80 in the number two travel lane west of Robb Drive. The front of the Cadillac struck the Honda that was overturned in the roadway. Both occupants of the Honda were ejected from the vehicle, according to NSP.
The driver of the Honda, Alicea, died at the scene. The passenger of the Honda, Merritt, was taken to an area hospital where he died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the Cadillac was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Northern Command West Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the crash.
Nevada Highway Patrol Northern Command West has investigated 16 fatal crashes resulting in 22 fatalities thus far in 2024. NHP notes the year's data is preliminary and may change or be updated based on final investigation and coroner reports.