PR man dies from crash injuries

A Priest River man died Wednesday from injuries he received as a result of a Jan. 6 accident near Old Priest River Road and Mathews Ridge Drive, Idaho State Police said in a press release.

The driver, a 62-year-old male, was turning left at about 5:32 p.m. from Old Priest River Road onto Mathews Ridge Drive when he failed to yield to oncoming traffic, ISP officials said. The Chevy SUV collided head-on with a Chevy Suburban, and the impact caused both vehicles to lose control, coming to rest just off the roadway.

The driver of the SUV and his 65-year-old female passenger were both injured, ISP said. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital by ground ambulance and the passenger, also a Priest River resident, was taken to a hospital by private vehicle.

ISP said it does not appear that the driver was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Suburban, a 31-year-old woman from Priest River, was wearing a seat belt. She suffered minor suspected injuries and was not transported to the hospital, ISP officials said.

Traffic on Old Priest River Road was slowed as emergency responders worked to investigate the scene and clear the area, troopers said in the press release.

Evidence was found on scene to indicate that alcohol may have been involved in the crash, ISP officials said in the press release.

The driver of the SUV was was pronounced deceased at a local hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash. Next of kin have been notified.

This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.