On March 13, 2021, at approximately 1538 hours, Richard Joy from Beckwourth, CA, was driving a 2016 Kia Sorento southbound on Grizzly Road north of SR-70 and approaching the stop limit line. Shirley Joy was positioned in the front right passenger seat. A 2014 Subaru Crosstrek, driven by Olivia Fragiacomo from Portola, CA, was traveling westbound on SR-70 east of Grizzly Road. Joy began to make left turn onto eastbound SR-70 and failed to yield the right of way to Fragiacomos’ approaching vehicle. Joy drove directly into the path of the Subaru and Fragiacomo attempted evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. The front of the Subaru collided with left front of the Kia.
Members of the California Highway Patrol, local Fire Department and Medical personnel arrived on-scene to render aid. Richard and Shirley Joy were transported to Renown Medical Center in Reno, NV. Tragically, Shirley Joy succumbed to her injuries as a result of the collision.
Both directions of the SR-70 were reduced to one-way traffic control for approximately 1 hours to facilitate the on-scene collision investigation. The exact cause of the collision is not yet known and the incident remains under investigation. The medical examiner will assist in determining whether drug or alcohol impairment was a factor in the collision. If any member of the public have questions regarding this incident, they are encouraged to contact the California Highway Patrol
