Spooner fatality ID'd as Incline High graduate, 19

A 19-year-old Crystal Bay resident who died in a roll-over accident on Spooner Summit April 15 has been identified as Vanessa Bauer, a 2003 graduate of Incline High School.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol report, Bauer was traveling westbound on Highway 50 at 9:30 p.m. in a 1996 Kia Sportage, along with a passenger Efrin Chavez, 25, of Kings Beach.

For an unknown reason, the vehicle drifted off the north pavement edge and onto the soft shoulder.

The report states that Bauer then attempted to steer the vehicle back onto the pavement.

But Bauer overcorrected, causing the car to rotate counterclockwise before rolling over several times.

Neither Bauer or Chavez were wearing seat belts, and both were ejected from the vehicle.

Both were airlifted to Washoe Medical Center by Care Flight helicopter, where Chavez was treated for serious injuries and released.

Bauer was later pronounced dead.

According to Vanessa's mother, Vickie Bauer of Crystal Bay, the family is still trying to figure out a way to celebrate their daughter's life with a gathering of friends and family.

"We really haven't gotten that far. We still haven't gotten it together," she said.

"But we do want to do something to celebrate our daughter and as soon as we know, we'll let everyone know."