YOUR AD HERE »

Collin still committed to South Lake Tahoe council candidacy after fatal wreck

Claire Cudahy
ccudahy@tahoedailytribune.com
A head-on collision between an RV and a Nissan Pathfinder on Kingsbury Grade resulted in one death and several serious injuries on Sept. 23.
Courtesy / Nevada Highway Patrol |

A head-on collision on Kingsbury Grade resulted in the death of one driver and serious injuries for several others, including South Lake Tahoe City Council candidate Jason Collin.

Collin, his wife Natalie and several others were in an RV headed to Mammoth on Friday, Sept. 23 when they were struck by a Nissan Pathfinder headed in the opposite direction. The collision was reported at 1:21 p.m.

The group was headed to test a running route for an upcoming event by Epic Tahoe Adventures, of which Collin is “Chief Officer of Awesomeness.” He also works as Barton Health’s Director of Home Health and Hospice.



The driver of the Pathfinder, 47-year-old Carrie Hilderbrand of Wellington, Nevada, died from her injuries at the hospital. She was the only occupant in the car.

Collin and Hilderbrand were transported by air ambulance, while three of the RV passengers were taken away by ground ambulance. At least two people had to be cut from the wreckage, reported the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.



The Nevada Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation indicated that Hilderbrand allowed her car to drift over the double yellow lines, and ultimately strike the left front of the motorhome, driven by Collin.

At this time, it is not known if drug or alcohol impairment factored into the accident, but the investigation by the highway patrol is ongoing. Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts.

COLLIN’S CANDIDACY

“Jason sustained serious injuries in the crash yesterday resulting in both legs being broken and shattered in various places from the knee down. He has had 2 successful surgeries so far and has one more scheduled for Monday. He is in excellent spirits and is recovering well and will hopefully be released next week,” according to a Facebook post by Epic Tahoe Adventures on Sept. 24.

“His wife Natalie also broke a finger in the accident but was treated and released yesterday, and is by Jason’s side. The Collin family appreciates the outpouring of support and love the community has shown.”

On Sept. 25 Collin posted on Facebook himself thanking everyone for the support.

“I am doing pretty well considering everything that’s happened. I had surgery to straighten out my right leg today. And I will have surgery Monday to straighten out my left ankle,” he wrote.

Collin still is committed to running for city council, said his wife Natalie on Sept. 26.

“The accident might slow down his campaign a bit, but his spirits are high and he continues to be optimistic about running for city council. He is still committed to being part of positive change in Tahoe,” said Natalie.

“We are completely focused on his recovery. Fingers crossed he gets home by the end of the week.”


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.