William Benes Obituary, Death – A fatal crash in Lander County, Nevada, claimed the life of a Las Vegas man on Sunday, July 20, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP). Troopers were called to the accident around 4:30 p.m. on State Route 305 (SR-305), near mile marker 50, which is situated between the towns of Austin and Battle Mountain.
The NHP’s preliminary report indicates that the crash involved three vehicles. A white 1991 Jeep Cherokee was heading south in the correct lane on SR-305, with a white 2026 Freightliner commercial truck following close behind. For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep suddenly crossed over the center line into the opposite lane, where it struck a northbound white 2020 Ford F-150 pickup truck.
The Jeep reportedly sideswiped the Ford, causing the pickup to veer into the southbound lane. There, it crashed into the left front side of the Freightliner. The collision forced the Ford F-150 off the roadway, where it came to a stop away from the highway. Meanwhile, the Freightliner jackknifed and came to rest in a position that blocked both lanes of traffic on SR-305. The Jeep also went off the roadway and flipped over during the incident.
Tragically, the driver of the Ford F-150, 55-year-old William Benes from Las Vegas, was killed in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of the Jeep and the Freightliner both suffered injuries but were reported to be non-life-threatening. Medical personnel transported both individuals from the scene for further treatment. No passengers were reported in any of the vehicles.
The Nevada Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit has taken over the case and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of now, officials have not released further details about what may have caused the Jeep to cross the center line. Authorities have also not stated whether impairment or mechanical failure played a role.
The wreckage blocked the highway for a time while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assist those involved. Investigators are expected to examine all aspects of the crash, including vehicle conditions, road layout, and witness statements.
The death of William Benes marks a tragic loss for his loved ones, and officials have extended their condolences to his family. The NHP urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
As the case continues to unfold, drivers are reminded to exercise caution and remain alert on highways, especially in rural areas like SR-305 where visibility and response times may be limited.
