Woman coptered out after SUV rolls on Highway 50

A South Lake Tahoe woman rolled her Toyota 4Runner twice on Monday after trying to pass a Ford Expedition headed southbound on Highway 50 at Skyland.

A helicopter transported the 30-year-old victim to Washoe Medical Center with head injuries that were "not life threatening," according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. She was wearing a seat belt.

"Her face was really well beat up; she's gonna be sore," said Marcus Ledbetter, 53, of Napa County. "She was going at a high rate of speed and blasted into the side of my truck. Full on, she hit it."

Ledbetter, who was heading home after a family trip to the Ponderosa Ranch, said the woman's truck slid on its side before becoming airborne. The vehicle came to rest on the shoulder of the highway, perpendicular to the northbound lane.

The wreck occurred at 4 p.m. between Skyland and Cave Rock. Traffic was reduced to one lane and had to be stopped completely at one point so the helicopter could land. Traffic flow returned to normal around 5:15 p.m.

At the scene, NHP Officer Nick Nordyke said the accident was under investigation.

Gregory Crofton can be reached at (530) 542-8045 or by e-mail at gcrofton@tahoedailytribune.com