Account aids injured teens

SANDPOINT — A bank account has been set up at Wells Fargo to help cover medical expenses for a Bonner County teen who survived a deadly crash on U.S. Highway 95 last month.

Katie C. Caldwell, 16, was seriously injured in the collision and was in a medically induced coma for 10 days at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash.

Caldwell’s mother, Kathy, said her daughter fractured her right arm, left femur and pelvis in the Sept. 5 collision in Sagle. She also suffered internal injuries, but is expected to recover.

“We have a lot of recovery still ahead of us,” said Kathy Caldwell.

Idaho State Police said Robert P. Chenault was northbound on the highway when he veered across the center turn lane and into southbound traffic near the Sagle Flea Market.

Chenault’s pickup truck struck a Sandpoint woman’s sedan before colliding with the Suzuki sport utility vehicle driven by Caldwell.

Chenault, an 84-year-old from Sandpoint, died six days after the crash.

Kathy Caldwell said her daughter did everything she could to steer clear of Chenault’s rig, but was unable to avoid the collision.

Caldwell, a local veterinarian, said colleagues as well as members of the community have stepped up to help with her daughter’s medical expenses.

“I can’t tell you how extremely grateful we are for all their support and their help,” she added.