South Lake Tahoe Police Officer, wife and friend killed in crash

Nevada Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly single-vehicle rollover that occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday night that took the life of South Lake Tahoe Police Officer Mark Hounsell and his wife Jeanne, and one other person.

The NHP confirmed Sunday afternoon that three people died in the accident.

"Today, our church family grieves the loss of two incredible people, Mark and Jeanne Hounsell," LifePoint Church in Minden, Nev. said in a statement Sunday. "They, along with a friend from out of town, were killed in an auto accident yesterday evening. Their four children survived, two of them are still being cared for at the hospital. For times like these there are no words but our hearts are aching as we realize the tremendous example, legacy, and impact that both Mark and Jeanne have had on our church and community. Please continue to pray for their children, extended family, and many friends in this time of deep loss."

Initially it was reported by the NHP that four people had died. Later Sunday afternoon, NHP confirmed three people died. Trooper Dan Lopez said the agency deeply regrets the error and having caused the confusion.

The accident occurred on Saturday evening at 5:03 p.m. and involved Hounsell's white Chevy Suburban.

The NHP is not releasing names until family members can be notified.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler said he will be issuing a statement later today.