LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada State Police are remembering the lives of those who have died on Nevada roadways.
On Friday, they held a candlelight vigil at the Southern Command office on W. Sunset Road.
According to the agency, in 2023, 387 people lost their lives in traffic crashes on Nevada highways. Of that, 90 were right here in southern Nevada.
A luminary with the names of the loved ones who died on our roadways glimmered in front of the command office.
"This is too many. Our hearts are heavy," said Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford.
"I'm surviving. I think all of these people that are here for somebody that was killed. That's what they do. They survive," Margaret Oliver said.
Oliver lost her husband, 62-year-old Gary Oliver, on March 2023.
"He gave me a kiss and said, 'I'll be back in time for you to take your car to work, and he just never came home," Oliver said.
Nevada State Police said the crash happened Tuesday, March 21, around 10:25 a.m.
Investigators said Oliver was traveling south, approaching mile marker 93.
For unknown reasons, police said he was unable to stay in its lane and went into a dirt center median.
He tried to steer back into his lane and that's when investigators said the vehicle rotated before hitting a concrete culvert causing it to overturn.
Police said the Indian Springs native was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Margaret said he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. She will always remember his contagious smile.
"He was a good person and he cared about people and he was always willing to help," Oliver said. "We lost a lot and we miss him a lot."
While the loss of her husband is still very much palpable, she says the vigil could help ease some of the pain.
"I think it's very special. Everyone can see that they are not the only ones that are dealing with this," Oliver said.
Support services were also being offered at the vigil.
WATCH FULL VIGIL:
