Officials have confirmed one Carson City juvenile has died after spending nearly a month in critical care following the Kings Canyon crash.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office said 16-year-old Timothy Jones succumbed to his injuries Sunday morning.
The crash occurred Nov. 9 at 10:46 p.m. after law enforcement and paramedics responded to reports of a single rollover crash on Kings Canyon Road, when the driver of a 2008 Dodge Nitro lost control of the vehicle. Seven juveniles were in the car at the time of the accident and only two were wearing seat belts. It was reported Jones was one who wasn’t restrained. Initially all seven were transported to Renown Regional Medical Center. Four have been released and two of the juveniles are still in the hospital with serious injuries.
“Our hearts ache for all the families and individuals involved in the car accident in Kings Canyon,” said Superintendent Richard Stokes on Monday. “We learned (Sunday) from law enforcement that one of our students passed away. Throughout the day today, the administration at Carson High School has provided and will continue to provide, as needed this week, grief counseling and support for students and staff. As more is learned about a memorial service, we will pass that information along.”
Several have taken to Facebook and other social media to express their condolences.
“We know you will visit and look over your teammates,” wrote the Carson Baseball Boosters Club on Facebook. “As our boys approach the field this season, they’ll do it your name. We know that you and God will guide them and be their shield. We love you TJ3.”
Jones was a junior at Carson High School and played on the junior varsity baseball team, wearing No. 3. Those close to him said he was an honor student and had dreams of being an EMT.
“It is sad (around the school today) we lost a teammate and a friend,” said CHS baseball coach Bryan Manoukian. “I think everyone is in shock and very saddened.”
Manoukian said the last few weeks have been difficult for Jones’ teammates with their friend in the hospital.
“So far the kids have handled it well,” Manoukian said. “Had he passed two weeks ago the night of the accident I think it would have been different but we have had time to talk about the possible outcomes when Tim got hurt. It wasn’t as big of a shock as it would have been two weeks ago, we have had time to ready for it, though you can never be fully prepared for something like this.
“But they have been keeping strong and can lean on each other to get through this together.”
Funeral arrangements still were pending as of Monday evening.
A Gofundme page, https://www.gofundme.com/prayforthem, had raised more than $53,000 as of Monday to help the families of the students involved in the crash.
The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dan Gordon.
As for the driver, it’s unclear whether he will face legal prosecution from the crash. District Attorney Jason Woodbury said because the investigation reports haven’t been released they’re unclear about all details to make a final decision about whether or not there’s a basis for prosecution or a traffic violation or other violation.
“It is a serious incident and we take all incidents seriously but certainly when someone is hurt badly or dies we kind elevate our look into it and look very closely,” Woodbury said. “Of course, we look closely at all cases but certainly in a situation where the consequences are (due to) traffic we want to make sure we are looking at the whole picture. We wouldn’t want to prosecute if there is nothing to be gained but we also have an obligation to look at it fairly and from all sides.”
One thing that could make the case a criminal matter is if drugs or alcohol was involved, however, preliminary reports don’t indicate any substances were involved in the crash.
It’s unknown when the official report will be released, and it could take several more weeks.
Sgt. Karen Garretson of the Nevada Highway Patrol’s Multi-disciplinary Investigation and Reconstruction is investigating this crash.
Anyone who may have any information related to this crash is encouraged to contact Sgt. Garretson at 775-687-9618 or kgarretson@dps.state.nv.us regarding case #171100915.
