Methamphetamine may have played a part in two separate fatal auto accidents involving Carson City residents in Pleasant Valley this week, authorities said Wednesday.
Jason John Hanson, 25, of Reno, died Monday afternoon 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.
"An unidentifiable source called in and said that there is a good chance Hanson may have been under the influence of methamphetamine at the time he crashed the car," said Trooper Chuck Allen.
Hanson died at the scene.
Crews took nearly an hour to cut Morrison free from his vehicle, said his son, U.S. Air Force Capt. Drew Morrison of Hawaii.
"He had several compound fractures - both legs, one arm, and five toes were broken," Morrison said. "Really, it's a miracle that he survived. The seat belt and air bag protected his head and chest. The injuries are all on extremities outside the coverage of the airbag. Luckily, he had a relatively new minivan with all the safety features."
Allen said investigators are interviewing anyone who may have been with Hanson in the 24 hours prior to the accident.
"We are waiting for the results of the toxicology report before we assume Mr. Hanson was under the influence," he said.
Early Tuesday morning another accident, only a mile north, claimed the life of Shawn Stewart, 21, of Carson City, and an unidentified female passenger, Allen said. The driver, Samuel Cole, 41, is listed in critical condition in Washoe Medical Center.
"Investigators found approximately two grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle," he said. "Again, we are awaiting the toxicology report to determine if drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor." The drugs and paraphernalia were found loose in the vehicle, he noted.
Allen said the female front-seat passenger apparently died from a broken neck. She had no identification on her, and neither Stewart's family nor Cole's know the woman. Her age is estimated in the early 20s, Allen said. He said the woman has tattoos, but declined to describe them.
"We have a few leads on who she might be and want to check them out first," he explained.
Increased patrols to watch for speeders in Pleasant Valley ended Saturday, Allen said.
Neither of this week's accidents appears to be blamed on speed, however.
"It's critical for the public to know that although speed does contribute to the severity of these accidents, erratic drivers and aggressive drivers are the type of people who cause accidents whether they are sober or on something," he said.
Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
