Raymond Beranek Obituary, Death; LVMPD: 81-year-old driver dies weeks after Las Vegas crash.
Raymond Beranek Obituary, Death – Police in Las Vegas have confirmed that an elderly driver has died nearly a month after being involved in a multi-vehicle crash near the Strip. Authorities identified the man as 81-year-old Raymond Beranek of Las Vegas.
The crash took place on the evening of July 9, just southwest of the Las Vegas Strip. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the incident happened near Sunset Road, west of Dean Martin Drive. Investigators said a sedan driven by Beranek rear-ended a pickup truck. The force of the impact pushed the pickup into another nearby vehicle, creating a chain-reaction collision.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene to provide aid. Both Beranek and a passenger from the pickup truck were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. While the other drivers involved did not sustain life-threatening injuries, Beranek’s condition remained serious.
On August 10, nearly a month after the crash, Beranek succumbed to his injuries, police confirmed. His death adds to the toll of traffic-related tragedies affecting the Las Vegas community this year, although it will not officially be counted as a roadway fatality under LVMPD’s jurisdiction.
Authorities explained that Nevada has a 30-day reporting standard when classifying traffic deaths. Because Beranek passed away outside of that window, his death is not included in the department’s official fatality statistics. Still, investigators stress that his loss highlights the severe consequences that can result from collisions on the city’s busy roadways.
The crash remains under investigation as officers continue to review the circumstances that led to the initial impact. While speed, impairment, and road conditions have not yet been confirmed as factors, LVMPD has not ruled out any possibilities. The department noted that further findings will be released as the investigation progresses.
Beranek’s death has resonated with many, particularly as Las Vegas grapples with a sharp rise in serious crashes in recent years. Local officials and law enforcement have urged drivers to remain vigilant, maintain safe following distances, and remain alert to avoid collisions like the one that claimed Beranek’s life.
Multi-vehicle accidents such as this often lead to complicated investigations, as officers work to determine liability and contributing factors. In many cases, rear-end collisions can be linked to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking in high-traffic areas. The stretch of roadway where this accident occurred is known for heavy traffic, especially during evening hours when drivers are navigating congested areas near the Strip.
Although Beranek’s death is not reflected in official statistics, his passing underscores the reality that the impact of roadway crashes extends far beyond numbers. For his family and loved ones, the loss is deeply personal, marking the end of a life lived in Las Vegas and now remembered with sorrow.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward as the case remains open.
