Couple injured in Thursday accident mistakenly identified

An older couple hospitalized after an automobile collision Thursday night were mistakenly identified by Las Vegas police as the grandparents of the 17-year-old passenger found dead on the scene.

Savannah McInnis died just before 10 p.m. on Halloween after the Chrysler sedan she was riding in was struck on the drivers’ side by a Dodge truck.

The older couple has been identified as the aunt and uncle of McInnis’ fiance, Jacob Varsalona. They are still in the hospital with critical injuries.

McInnis’ 2-year-old son Cayden was also hurt in the accident, but was released the following day.

Cayden, who has autism, is being cared for by Varsalona and McInnis’ family.

“I’m the only father he’s ever known,” Varsalona said.

Funeral services for McInnis will be held Saturday at King David Funeral Home. The family said they are raising money to set up a trust for Cayden through Bank of America.

The 21-year-old driver of the truck was not injured, and the incident is still under investigation by police.

Contact reporter Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and (702) 383-0381.