Donald Johnson, 60, and Shelly Johnson, 50, of Gardnerville, Nevada, were killed Saturday afternoon in a head-on motorcycle crash at Kimmerling Road and Country Lane.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, deputies were responding to a reported domestic disturbance in the Gardnerville Ranchos area around 4:05 p.m. on September 19 when they saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near Tillman Lane and Kimmerling Road.
Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued fleeing.
Investigators said the vehicle reached the intersection of Kimmerling Road and Country Lane, where the driver attempted to pass another vehicle. The vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a motorcycle carrying Donald and Shelly Johnson.
Both motorcycle occupants suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The other vehicle continued off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Gerardo Adame-Lopez of Reno, suffered severe injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Renown Regional Medical Center.
Authorities said preliminary charges being considered include two counts each of DUI causing death, eluding causing death, and reckless driving causing death. These are preliminary charges and remain subject to change as the investigation continues.
The investigation is being conducted by the Carson City Sheriff's Office, Nevada State Police, and Lyon County Sheriff's Office.
For the families, friends, and loved ones of Donald and Shelly, the crash marks the sudden loss of two lives from the Gardnerville community.
Their lives are now remembered through the people who knew them and the memories they leave behind.
