CHP Officer Struck By SUV On I-80 Near Truckee Dies

DONNER SUMMIT (CBS13) — CHP Officer Nathan Daniel Taylor, 35, of Gold Run, who underwent surgery after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 80 on Saturday, has died.

Traffic came to a halt at around 2:30 p.m. west of Castle Peak after Officer Taylor, who was wrapping up work from a prior accident, was struck by an SUV.

"Most other officers had already cleared that accident; he was there just providing traffic control as they waiting for a tow truck," said CHP Officer Pete Mann.

That's when the CHP says a Nissan Pathfinder tried to change lanes and struck Taylor, sending him flying several feet. He was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night, according to a statement from the CHP.

"It is an incredibly sad day for Officer Taylor's family, the CHP, and the State of California. The loss of an officer protecting our community is truly devastating! I would personally like to thank all of our partners, including the medical staff who fought so hard on behalf of Officer Taylor. We ask for the public's continued prayers, support, and trust as we go through this incredibly difficult time," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

Governor Brown issued the following statement regarding Taylor's death:

"Anne and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer Taylor's family, friends and the entire California Highway Patrol community. We are grateful for Officer Taylor, who served the state with great distinction. "

The driver has been identified as Ivy Soon Young Villnow.

"For reasons unknown, Villnow moved out into the number one lane to avoid that slowing traffic and at that time made contact with the officer," Mann said.

According to the collision report, Villnow lost control of her vehicle.

Taylor was a six-year veteran of the CHP.