LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A Clearlake Oaks man died Wednesday morning from injuries he sustained in a head-on vehicle crash near Lower Lake.
The California Highway Patrol did not release the 73-year-old man’s name Wednesday afternoon, pending notification of his family.
Also injured in the crash were Beverly Reynolds, 66, of Lower Lake – who was driving the second vehicle involved – and a 13-year-old female juvenile traveling with her, the CHP said.
A report from CHP Officer Mark Crutcher said the Clearlake Oaks man was traveling southbound on Highway 29 south of Spruce Grove Road North in a 2012 Mazda with Reynolds coming from the opposite direction in a 1999 Chrysler.
For an unknown reason, the man crossed over a set of double yellow lines and traveled into the northbound lane, Crutcher’s report said.
Reynolds saw the man’s vehicle traveling right at her and hit her brakes, but was unable to avoid the collision, Crutcher said.
The two vehicles hit head on, with the engine compartment of Reynolds’ vehicle catching fire. Crutcher said the fire was extinguished by personnel arriving on scene.
The Clearlake Oaks man was declared dead at the scene, Crutcher said.
Reynolds was flown by a REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where she is being treated for major injuries, including a broken left arm and leg, according to Crutcher.
He said the young passenger, whose name was not released because of her age, was transported by ambulance to St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake, for treatment of moderate injuries, including complaint of pain to her neck and back.
The CHP said the crash remains under investigation.