Smelterville man dies after initially surviving car crash

4TH OF JULY PASS – Idaho State Police reports that a Smelterville man died Tuesday after initially surviving a traffic collision that morning on 4th of July Pass.

On December 11 at approximately 11:20 a.m., 26-year-old Skyler Sauer was driving a 2009 Chevy Silverado eastbound on Interstate-90 when he failed to negotiate a curve, left his lane and struck the right-side jersey barrier at mile post 30.

Following the collision, the vehicle continued to rotate around and then came to rest with its rear end on top of the jersey barrier.

Sauer was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident, but refused medical treatment when emergency crews arrived. Sauer then left the scene by way of personal vehicle.

A short time later, Sauer was found unresponsive at his residence in Smelterville and was transported to Shoshone Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.

Following an autopsy, his death was determined to have been caused by a pre-existing heart/lung condition and not from injuries sustained in the crash. It is possible though that his condition was exacerbated by the incident.

Next of kin has been notified of Sauer’s passing.