Fatal crash puzzles accident expert

Kim Smith

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002 | 9:06 a.m.

An accident reconstruction expert who investigated the crash that killed Las Vegas Sun Vice President and Associate Editor Sandy Thompson said he is puzzled by certain aspects of the crash.

John Cunag told a Clark County grand jury he can't understand why John Simbrat, 21, didn't hit his brakes or veer after hitting a wall on Aug. 9.

After hitting the dividing wall near the Las Vegas Beltway and Far Hills Avenue, Simbrat plowed into Thompson's car, shoving it into and underneath a pickup truck waiting at a red light along with her, killing the 53-year-old Thompson instantly.

Simbrat told authorities he fell asleep at the wheel.

"Falling asleep would cause him to drift off to the right. After hitting, striking the wall, the part that still confuses me, is why he didn't brake. Why there was no braking, no steering input. I don't know that," Cunag said.

Simbrat was indicted Sept. 18 on one count each of driving under the influence of a controlled or prohibited substance, causing death, felony reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter.

According to grand jury transcripts released Monday, Cunag said that while he believes Simbrat was probably traveling at least 70 mph in a 45 mph zone, he would be unable to prove that at trial.

Another accident reconstructionist, however, said he could prove Simbrat was traveling between 60 and 74 mph.

One witness to the accident, Sheri Hutchison, said Simbrat passed her right before the crash.

"He looked right at me. I backed off because he passed me like I was standing still," Hutchison said. "I watched his vehicle go up towards Far Hills Parkway, drift off the road and hit the side (wall). ... After he hit the wall, I did not see a brake light."

Kevin Parsons, who drove the pickup in front of Thompson, said the crash happened without warning. He just suddenly felt the rear of his pickup being lifted up in back.

"It was a horrific crash. It made like almost a supersonic sound when it happened," Parsons said.

Deputy medical examiner Rexene Worrell said Thompson died as a result of blunt force trauma, calling it a "horrific, forceful" crash.

Parsons said he helped Simbrat lie down after the crash. It took him at least three minutes to realize a third vehicle was involved. He saw a motionless woman lying inside the car, but couldn't get her door open.

Simbrat, he said, was disoriented with half-shut eyes.

"He was really out of it," Parsons said.