Truckee Police say speeding and drinking were apparently involved in a crash that killed a man last month. On May 8th, Truckee Police responding to a crash on Old Highway 40 found the driver of one of the vehicles, 36 year old Patrick Smiley, dead. His passenger sustained major injuries and was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. Officers determined Smiley had crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting a van. They determined just prior to the crash, that Smiley had been driving at more than 65 mph on a corner with a recommended speed of 30 mph.
The investigation also has revealed Smiley had a blood alcohol content of 3 times the legal limit, and that he also had marijuana and barbiturates in his system.