NEVADA – In a shocking turn of events, Troy Driver, the prime suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Fernley teenager Naomi Irion, was discovered dead in his cell on Sunday evening, the Lyon County sheriff announced. Driver, 42, was being held in a maximum security jail cell and had no contact with other inmates. Preliminary details suggest that his death was a result of asphyxiation, as stated in a news release from the sheriff’s office.

Driver had previously pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault in connection with the tragic case of 18-year-old Irion. Her lifeless body was discovered buried in a shallow grave in Churchill County two weeks after she went missing from outside the Fernley Walmart on March 12, 2022.

Deputies conducting regular hourly cell checks made the grim discovery of Driver’s unresponsive state around 6:17 p.m. Efforts to revive him were initiated, including CPR and dispatching an ambulance to the jail. Medical personnel from the Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department took over lifesaving attempts upon arrival, but tragically, Driver was pronounced dead.

The Nevada State Police Division of Investigations will lead the inquiry into Driver’s death, though no additional details have been disclosed at this time.

Lyon County Sheriff Brad Pope conveyed his deepest sympathies to the Irion family, stating, “My sincerest condolences to the Irion family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Last year, the sheriff’s office was compelled to dispel rumors circulating on social media that falsely claimed Driver had died by suicide, emphasizing the importance of relying on accurate information.

Credits: Reno Gazette

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