Teen dies after pickup plunges down embankment

Wednesday, April 8, 1998 | 9:47 a.m.

Robert Carrasco Jr., 15, died at Washoe Medical Center in Reno, the Nevada Highway Patrol said early today.

Officers said the truck driven by Robert Gene Carrasco apparently blew a tire before it plummeted down a 500-foot embankment.

Carrasco, 38, and his four sons were all ejected.

The accident occurred Tuesday about 11 miles west of Reno.

Robert Jr., Rubin, 12, and Rudy, 8, were riding in the bed of the truck, Trooper Tony Almaraz said. Randy Carrasco, 10, was riding in the cab with his father.

None of the occupants wore seat belts, authorities said.

Randy and Rudy were treated at the hospital and released.

Authorities said Rubin underwent surgery for a broken leg. The father also remained hospitalized on Wednesday.

The safety of the truck may have been a factor in the crash, Almaraz said.

An investigation continued.

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