LAKE HAVASU CITY – Lake Havasu City Police have identified the victim and provided more details of the traffic fatality involving two vehicles and a wild burro. Sergeant Kyl Ridgway said Gary Fratus, 81, was northbound on SR 95 when the Kia he was operating struck the animal crossing the highway near Airport Center Boulevard at about 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19.
“The Kia then veered left into oncoming traffic and struck a large box truck head-on that was traveling southbound on SR 95,” Ridgway said. He said Fratus succumbed to his injuries the next day at Havasu Regional Medical Center.
Ridgway said accident investigation continues but that neither speed nor impairment appear to be factors.
“The Lake Havasu City Police Department has received an increase in calls in reference to burros lingering near the area of SR 95,” Ridgway said. “We would like to remind our community to exercise caution while traveling on SR 95 near an open desert area and remain aware of the potential dangers from wildlife entering the highway.”
