Carolyn Newton Obituary, Death – Authorities in northern Nevada are continuing to investigate a fatal traffic collision involving a passenger vehicle and a commercial semi-truck that occurred late last year.
According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, which operates under the Nevada State Police, troopers responded to a serious crash on eastbound Interstate 80 in Washoe County. The incident took place east of University Way at approximately 9:15 a.m. on December 30, 2025.
Preliminary information released by authorities indicates that a Ford Mustang was entering eastbound I-80 from the University Way on-ramp. Investigators said the car was traveling in the left travel lane of the on-ramp when the driver lost control. As a result, the vehicle began to spin and moved left before crossing a raised curb that separates the on-ramp from the main eastbound lanes of the interstate.
After crossing into the active travel lanes of I-80, the Mustang entered traffic where a semi-truck with an attached trailer was also traveling eastbound. Authorities said the truck was in the second lane from the left at the time of the crash. The front portion of the Mustang made contact with the right side of the trailer.
Following the collision, the Mustang was redirected across multiple eastbound lanes before coming to rest near a guardrail. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene to assist those involved and to manage traffic in the area. The crash caused temporary disruptions as officials worked to ensure the safety of motorists and document the scene.
One passenger in the Mustang, identified as 79-year-old Carolyn Newton of Sparks, sustained critical injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite medical care, authorities later confirmed that she died from her injuries on January 3.
The driver of the Mustang and the operator of the semi-truck were not publicly identified, and officials did not release details about their conditions. No additional injuries were reported in the preliminary information made available.
The Nevada Highway Patrol Major Incident Reconstruction Team has taken over the investigation. This specialized team is responsible for conducting detailed reviews of serious and fatal crashes. Their work typically includes examining physical evidence, reviewing vehicle positions, and assessing roadway conditions in order to better understand how the collision occurred.
At this stage, investigators have not announced whether speed, road conditions, mechanical issues, or other factors may have contributed to the crash. No citations or charges have been reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials reminded drivers of the importance of caution when entering highways, especially during merging and lane changes. Interstate on-ramps and high-speed travel lanes can present challenging conditions that require full attention from motorists.
As the investigation continues, authorities said additional information may be released if it becomes available. In the meantime, the Nevada Highway Patrol extended condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the loss and thanked the public for their patience during the response and investigation.
