Tragic weekend with motorcycle accidents on Idaho's highways

Fatal three-vehicle crash near Wendell, Idaho

A fatal three-vehicle crash is being investigated by Idaho State Police (ISP) following a tragic incident southwest of Wendell. At approximately 5:37 p.m. on Sunday, ISP officers arrived at the scene at 3287 S 1500 E. The crash involved a 2001 Chevrolet S Truck driven by a 36-year-old man from Wendell, Idaho, and a 2006 Honda CRF450R motorcycle driven by a 19-year-old man from Utah. Also in the Honda was an 18-year-old female passenger from Wendell.

Sequence of events

The Chevrolet was reportedly turning left when it collided with the southbound motorcycle. The force of the impact threw the Honda into an unoccupied 2004 Dodge Stratus parked in the West Point parking lot at 3287 S 1500 E.

Victims and injuries

The driver of the motorcycle suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. Tragically, the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.

Seat belt and helmet use

ISP confirmed that the driver of the Chevrolet was wearing a seatbelt, while neither the driver nor the passenger on the motorcycle were wearing a helmet.

Road closures and assistance

Both lanes of 1500 E were closed for approximately two hours while authorities conducted their investigation. The Gooding County Sheriff's Office, Wendell Rural Fire Department and Gooding County EMS assisted at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Saturday on U.S. Highway 12 near Kooskia. At approximately 3:58 p.m., a 61-year-old Spokane, Washington, man and a minor were riding east on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when the crash occurred at mile marker 76.

Cause of the crash

According to Idaho State Police, the motorcycle was attempting to pass a slow-moving vehicle when the overtaking vehicle turned left, resulting in a collision. The impact caused the motorcycle to veer off the road and strike a nearby tree.

Condition and reaction of drivers

Both riders were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The minor passenger was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown.

Investigation and notifications

Next of kin have been notified and the crash remains under investigation by the ISP.