LLANDER COUNTY, Nev. — A devastating crash in rural Lander County has claimed the life of 55-year-old William Benes, a resident of Las Vegas. The fatal collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, along State Route 305 (SR-305), near mile marker 50—between the towns of Austin and Battle Mountain—according to the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP).
The NHP’s preliminary investigation reveals that three vehicles were involved in the crash. A white 1991 Jeep Cherokee was traveling southbound on SR-305, followed closely by a white 2026 Freightliner commercial truck. For reasons that remain under investigation, the Jeep suddenly veered across the center line into the northbound lane and sideswiped a white 2020 Ford F-150 headed in the opposite direction.
The impact caused the Ford F-150 to swerve into the southbound lane, where it collided with the front left side of the Freightliner. The collision pushed the Ford off the roadway, where it came to rest. Meanwhile, the Freightliner jackknifed, blocking both directions of SR-305, and the Jeep flipped over after running off the road.
William Benes, who was driving the Ford F-150, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. The drivers of the Jeep and the Freightliner were injured but survived, and were transported for medical treatment. Their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. There were no passengers in any of the vehicles.
The Nevada Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities have not yet released information about the cause of the Jeep’s abrupt lane departure and are working to determine whether factors such as driver impairment, distraction, or vehicle malfunction may have played a role.
The wreck temporarily shut down SR-305 as emergency personnel responded, assessed the crash scene, and cleared the roadway.
The death of William Benes has left his family and community mourning the loss of a man whose life ended tragically on a quiet stretch of Nevada highway. Officials extended their deepest condolences to his loved ones and are urging anyone with information or who witnessed the crash to contact NHP to aid in the ongoing investigation.
As the case develops, law enforcement is reminding all motorists to remain vigilant and cautious, especially in rural areas where high speeds, limited visibility, and long response times can increase the risk of serious accidents.
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