ISP seeking help, video of fatal crash
Phillip Siers, whose sister Amanda was critically injured in the crash and niece Amelia, pictured above, was killed, launched a GoFundMe page to help the family cover already-mounting medical expenses.
Courtesy photo
ELMIRA — Idaho State Police is seeking the public's assistance as troopers continue to investigate a fatal crash Friday, Nov. 22.
An area youth was killed when a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup collided with the 2008 Ford Edge in which she was a passenger.
“This investigation is critical to understanding what led to this tragic collision, and we believe someone may have additional information or footage that can help piece together the events leading up to the crash,” said Trooper Travis Bucher, ISP District 1. “Even small details that seem insignificant could provide vital clues to help bring closure to the families affected by this devastating loss.”
According to Idaho State Police, the crash happened when the driver of a southbound pickup moved into the northbound lane as he attempted to pass multiple southbound vehicles. The vehicle collided head-on with a northbound Ford Edge traveling in the northbound lane of U.S. 95 near Cindy Lane, injuring the 61-year-old male driver of the pickup truck killing the female juvenile. Also injured in the crash were the youth's mother, 33; a female family friend, 33; and her brother.
As part of its ongoing investigation, ISP is asking the public for additional evidence that could help determine events leading up to the crash. Investigators are asking for vehicle dash camera, business surveillance, Ring doorbell video, or any other captured video footage of traffic traveling south. Video is sought in the U.S. 95 area from milepost 505 in Boundary County — Bonners Ferry — to the crash site near milepost 479 in Bonner County. The requested timeframe is from 6:45 a.m. to 8:35 a.m.
ISP troopers are also encouraging motorists who were on the highway during the pertinent timeframe and may have seen either of the vehicles involved in the collision to reach out to investigators with information.
Additionally, ISP is encouraging motorists traveling on U.S. 95 during this time who may have observed the vehicles involved in the crash but have yet to speak with investigators to come forward with any information.
The community has rallied around the family, raising almost $90,000 in a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover medical expenses and funeral costs.
That generosity and words of support mean a great deal and have brought some light to this "incredibly dark time," said Phillip Siers, whose sister Amanda and nephew Patrick were critically injured niece Amelia was killed in the crash.
Siers said the family's last name is not being released publicly at this time to allow them to focus on healing and grieving the loss of Amelia.
His sister is now in stable condition and is now out of the ICU but faces a lengthy, difficult road to recovery. His nephew, Patrick, is expected to be released from the hospital within a few days.
"Words truly cannot express how much this means to us," Siers said in an update on the campaign page. "Your love, prayers, and generosity have carried us through the hardest days of our lives. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us."
Idaho State Police officials also thanked the public for their assistance and extended the agency's condolences to the families impacted by the tragedy.
Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to contact Trooper Travis Bucher at the ISP District 1 Office by calling 208-209-8620.