Douglas official's condition improving after wreck

A Douglas County official injured Tuesday in a car accident appears to be improving.

Linda Slater, 53, recorder for Douglas County since 1995, was in stable condition on Wednesday, according to Judy Davis, spokeswoman for Washoe Medical Center.

Initial reports of Slater's condition indicated the injuries could be life-threatening, but Deputy Recorder John Ring said she is doing much better now.

"Things are a lot less severe than everyone thought," he said Wednesday.

Slater apparently pulled into oncoming U.S. 395 traffic from Airport Road in Minden on Tuesday when she collided with a vehicle driven by Justin Desrochers, 27, of Gardnerville. He was treated for minor injuries.

Ring said he saw the condition of Slater's vehicle later in the day and is sure there was more than luck involved in her survival.

"Unfortunately, I had the displeasure of seeing the car close up and I could barely stand to look at it," Ring said. "I think this goes beyond lucky. We like to think she is blessed."

Ring said Slater's 1996 Chevrolet was demolished on the driver side.

He said Slater was returning to her office when the accident occurred.

"All of us here are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers and looking forward to her coming back to work," Ring said. "We are doing exactly what she would want us to do, which is to keep the office running as best we can."