A tragic crash on Sunday afternoon has left one man dead and another injured, with Idaho State Police suspecting alcohol may have been a factor. The collision occurred around 2:45 p.m. on Highway 41 near milepost 18, just south of Spirit Lake.
According to investigators, a silver Ford F-250 driven by a 21-year-old Priest River man was traveling northbound when it crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. The pickup collided head-on with a black Ford F-350 towing a trailer, driven by a 62-year-old man from Palm Harbor, Florida.
The force of the impact was devastating. Troopers say the 21-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene from his injuries. The driver of the Ford F-350, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Evidence gathered at the scene strongly suggests alcohol impairment may have contributed to the crash. The exact circumstances and toxicology results remain under investigation by Idaho State Police.
The highway was blocked for roughly two and a half hours while crews worked to investigate the scene, clear the wreckage, and restore traffic flow.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Spirit Lake Police Department, Spirit Lake Fire, and the Northern Lakes Fire District, working together to provide emergency aid and secure the area.
Authorities continue to urge all drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel, emphasizing the deadly risks of impaired driving. They stress the importance of seatbelt use, which often plays a critical role in saving lives during serious crashes.
This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered on the road. Idaho State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the crash to contact them as the investigation continues.
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