A 33-year-old Indian Hills man was killed Friday night and one occupant is in critical condition from a single-vehicle roll-over accident on Highway 395 near Topsy Lane. The third occupant suffered minor injuries, the Nevada Highway Patrol reported.
NHP Trooper Chris Austin said James Baer, believed to be the driver, was ejected from his red 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass and died at the scene of the 10 p.m. accident in Douglas County. The second ejected occupant was transported to Washoe Medical Center by Care Flight helicopter and is in critical condition. He had not yet been identified as of Saturday afternoon.
"We're attempting to identify him and to notify the next of kin," the trooper said. "His injuries were major, but they believe he will be fine."
Archie Jessmer, a 26-year-old Carson City man, was wearing his seat belt and was transported to Carson-Tahoe Hospital with minor injuries, Austin said.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Oldsmobile was traveling north on Highway 395 when for unknown reasons the vehicle drifted to the left into the dirt median.
The driver overcorrected to his right and drove across the northbound travel lanes and the paved outside shoulder. The Oldsmobile drove up an embankment and rolled several times as it continued north. The speed of the car has not yet been determined.
Pat Baer, of Indian Hills, said Saturday that she is still trying to take in the information about her son's death.
"He came here three years ago and he had a couple jobs and he just got one about six months ago with Micromanipulator," she said between tears. "He was going to go to school and learn machine work."
The NHP is investigating this accident and would like witnesses, or anyone who may be able assist in the investigation, to contact 688-2500.
n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
