One dead, six injured in Alt. 50 head-on crash

Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in a head-on crash that killed one man and injured six Fallon teenagers on U.S. 50 Alternate between Fallon and Fernley Saturday night, according to Fallon's Nevada Highway Patrol public affairs officer Trooper Joe Winchester.

Nicholas R. Bender, 25, was driving his 1999 Toyota sedan eastbound when he crossed over the center line, striking a 1998 Plymouth driven by 17-year-old Lisa Lincoln.

According to a NHP statement, both vehicles came to rest blocking both of the highway's eastbound travel lanes.

Bender's lone passenger, his brother Jason D. Bender, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Churchill County deputy coroner.

Nicholas R. Bender was taken to the Banner Churchill Community Hospital and treated for a fractured leg.

Lincoln and her passengers, Erica Aguard, 15, and Edgar Martinez, 17, were taken to BCCH then transferred to Washoe Medical Center, where they remain with serious injuries.

Her two other passengers, David Rosas and Trista Wells, both 17, were treated at BCCH and released.

Trooper Winchester, who responded to the scene of the accident, said the investigation is ongoing.

While it's almost certain that Bender had alcohol in his system at the time of the crash, results of his blood-alcohol content were pending, and charges have yet to be filed, said Winchester.

He also said it didn't appear that seat belts were being used by any of the passengers in the Plymouth.

"We're still in the preliminary investigation," said Winchester Sunday night. "There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered."

Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.