RENO, Nev — Authorities have identified the man who died following a single-vehicle crash near Douglas Fir Drive earlier this month.
The Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) confirmed that 52-year-old Charles German, a resident of Dana Point, California, was killed in the incident, which occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on August 7.
Preliminary findings indicate German was driving a 2024 Mercedes GLS 450 westbound on State Route 431 when the vehicle veered out of its lane. The SUV struck a guardrail on the right shoulder, then crossed the roadway before colliding with another guardrail on the left shoulder. The vehicle eventually came to rest on the eastbound side of the highway.
German was pronounced dead at the scene. Two adult passengers who were inside the SUV at the time were not injured.
Investigators noted that the cause of German’s death does not appear to be the direct result of the crash. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a full review to determine the official cause. Authorities emphasized that foul play is not suspected.
The incident remains under investigation.
