Woman in fatal crash named

Authorities have identified the Orangevale, Calif., woman who died in an accident Tuesday morning in Pleasant Valley.

Heidi Louise Stout, 22, was identified through fingerprints two days after she was killed in the 4:28 a.m. crash that also claimed the life of 26-year-old Shawn Stewart of Carson City and critically injured the driver, Samuel Cole, 41, of Sparks.

Cole's 1997 Saturn sedan was northbound on Highway 395 when it struck a guardrail on the right side of the highway and careened into the path of a southbound 1992 Chevy Blazer driven by Michele Austin, 41, of Sparks.

Investigators found methamphetamine loose in the vehicle, said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen. Toxicology results to determine if Cole was under the influence at the time of the crash can take up to 12 weeks, he said.

The Tuesday crash happened just a mile from a Monday afternoon crash that claimed the life of a Reno man.

John Hanson, 25, died Monday when his southbound white 1993 Saturn sedan crossed into the path of a northbound 2003 Dodge van driven by Lance Morrison, 58, of Carson City about 4:13 p.m.

Morrison is in fair condition at Washoe Medical Center.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.