Driver in Fatal Helendale Crash ID’d

(photo courtesy of San Bernardino County Fire)

HELENDALE:(VVNG.com)- Authorities have released the name of the driver killed in Tuesday afternoon’s crash on National Trails Highway.

Thomas Lee Duitsman, a 58-year-old Barstow resident was pronounced dead at the scene after his 1998 Chevy pick-up truck collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.

The two vehicle collision was reported just after 12:00 PM, on May 31, 2016, along National Trails Highway (Route 66) at the intersection of Holcomb Ranch Road in Helendale.

According to authorities, the pick-up truck was traveling eastbound on National Trails Highway and the tractor-trailer was traveling westbound. For unknown reasons the Chevy drifted into oncoming traffic and struck the semi.

Duitsman was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger was airlifted to a trauma hospital for treatment of injuries.

The collision is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Related article: https://vvng.wpengine.com/fatal-crash-shuts-down-national-trails-highway/