Three Employees of Pioneer Crossing Casino Killed in U.S. 50 Crash

[My Fernley News]

FERNLEY, August 16, 2012

On the morning of August 14th, a deadly collision on Highway 50 took the lives of three Pioneer Crossing Casino's team members.

The team members have been identified as Troy Sibson, Fernley Operations Manager, Mike Sotka, Accounting Supervisor, and Jason Counterman, Fernley Maintenance Team. The collision, involving three vehicles occurred at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The eastbound truck, after loosing control of his steering, struck the employees' pick-up head-on, killing the three men. The trailer from the eastbound truck then came loose, striking the car behind it. The passengers of that vehicle were injured, but it was not life-threatening.

"We are greatly saddened to have lost three of our team members and friends," said Mike Benjamin, Owner and President of Pioneer Crossing Casino. "These were three men of strong character and the deep sorrow felt throughout our team is indescribable."

Sibson was a longtime team member of the casino and played a vital role in its business success. Sotka had been with the casino for several years as well, successfully working with both the Dayton and Fernley locations. Counterman was just settling into his new role in Maintenance when this devastating accident took his life. Their absence will be felt throughout the casino, as well as the entire community

"In the wake of this horrible tragedy, our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these incredible men," said Mike Melarkey, CEO & Owner of Pioneer Crossing Casino.

The casino will hold a celebration of life to honor the team members and friends that were lost. Details of the event have not yet been finalized.