Crime & Safety
Driver in Upvalley Crash Found Dead at Napa Home
Napa County authorities say Norman Pierce, 69, was found lifeless in his driveway on Olive Hill Lane Tuesday, the day after he drove his car into the bike lane on Highway 29 north of St. Helena, injuring two elderly bicyclists.
The 69-year-old motorist involved in a collision that injured two elderly Sonoma women on Highway 29 north of St. Helena Monday was found dead Tuesday afternoon at his home east of Napa.
Napa County Sheriff's Capt. Tracey Stuart said Donald Pierce's landlady called 911 after she found him in the driveway of his Olive Hill Lane residence.
Medical personnel declared Pierce dead at the scene, Stuart said.
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"There was nothing suspicious or obvious to suggest suicide," Stuart continued.
"There is a very strong possibility it was a natural death."
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Pierce had last been seen at about noon Tuesday by his sister, according to Stuart, who said an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Monday's collision occurred when Pierce's southbound Pontiac entered the bike lane where Beatrice McIntosh, 67, and Jean Behse, 72, were riding south on Highway 29, north of St. Helena, at about 12:40 p.m.
The women were taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center with moderate to major injuries. Two other women riding with them were unhurt but upset and also went to the hospital, according to Bay City News Service.
Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash, according to CHP.
For more on this story, please see
- Two Bicyclists Hurt in Collision with Car in Napa County
- Update: Two Elderly Women Injured in Upvalley Car-Bike Crash
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