Tyler Burk Killed in Highway 49 Car Collision in Auburn; Authorities say he may have had Medical Event

Auburn, California (December 6, 2019) – Authorities said the driver who was reported to have been driving recklessly prior to a fatal car collision Wednesday in Auburn may have experienced a medical event.

Tyler William Burk, 21, of Auburn, died in a multi-vehicle collision that happened just after 1:00 p.m. on Highway 49 near Cramer Road.

The California Highway Patrol reported earlier that Burk was driving at a high rate of speed just before the crash. Placer County sheriff’s office, however, says the driver may have had a medical event.

According to authorities, Burk was driving a 2013 Volkswagen Golf northbound at a very high rate of speed in the center turning lane for both northbound and southbound traffic. The driver suddenly swerved into the southbound lanes and hit the left rear corner of a Ford F150. The impact caused the Volkswagen to swerve into the path of an Acura RDX.

Burk was pronounced dead at the scene by firefighters. The 73-year-old Grass Valley man driving the Acura was hospitalized with major injuries. The driver of the Ford was not injured.

CHP said all the three drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Authorities are investigating the collision.