The driver of a white Pontiac Grand Prix that collided with another vehicle while driving the wrong way down Highway 198 on Saturday night was identified as 26-year-old Nathanael Martinez.

A report from the Kings County Coroner's office said that Martinez was killed instantly due to blunt force trauma at the time of the collision.

Witness reports indicate that the Pontiac was seen traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Highway 198, near Highway 41, just prior to the incident at 11 p.m.

The Pontiac crashed head-on into a Dodge Nitro, causing moderate, non-life threatening injuries to the two occupants.

Lemoore Police could not be reached for further comment on the incident. An investigation is still ongoing to determine why Martinez was driving eastbound in the westbound lane of Highway 198.

Funeral services for Martinez will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at People's Funeral Chapel.

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3048.

(Nov. 23, 2007)