GARDNERVILLE -- An accident that occurred on Monday night on Highway 395 near Gardnerville and took the life of a 31-year-old Carson City man is suspected of being alcohol-related.

Monday night at around 10:05 p.m. Nevada Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to Highway 395 three miles south of Gardnerville in Douglas County.  The preliminary crash investigation details a blue 1995 Ford 4-door sedan, driven by the Carson City man, was pulling out from the driveway of the 7-Eleven store near Riverview Drive and Highway 395, said NHP Trooper Chuck Allen.

As he attempted to cross the southbound lane prior to turning left to go north, he proceeded into the direct path of a Mercury Mountaineer that was traveling south on Highway 395. The front of the SUV struck the left side of the Ford causing both vehicles to become disabled on the highway blocking at least two travel lanes. The SUV was driven by 36-year-old Jeremy T. Reineman of Fredericksburg, Virginia and he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was not injured in the collision.

The driver of the Ford sedan was taken to Carson Valley Medical Center in Gardnerville where he died from his injuries a short while later while preparing to be airlifted to Reno. Meanwhile, the female passenger riding in the sedan was airlifted to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno by Care Flight. She was treated for her injuries and discharged from the hospital earlier this morning.

Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor in this tragedy. The Nevada Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating this crash and Trooper Doug Hildebrand is the lead investigator for this case. Witnesses, or those with additional information, are encouraged to contact him at (775) 689-4623 or at dhildebrand@dps.state.nv.us regarding case number NHP-130107791.