One killed in UTV crash into St. Joe River
Emergency personnel work to pull up the submerged UTV out from the St. Joe River on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of SHOSHONE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
CALDER — A Post Falls man was killed in a UTV crash this last weekend where alcohol appears to have been a factor.
The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office reports that on Friday around 10:26 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to the area of the Old Railroad Grade, across from the Cutthroat Resort, for a report of a vehicle (later determined to be UTV) that had left the roadway and crashed into the St. Joe River.
The UTV was reportedly occupied by two individuals — William Gagner, 47, of Post Falls and Jeremy Cooley, 41, of Post Falls as well.
Multiple agencies, including a Kootenai County Marine unit, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Benewah County Sheriff's Office, St. Joe EMS and Two Bear Air Rescue from Kalispell, Mont., would end up assisting in recovery efforts over the next day.
The location of the UTV in the St. Joe was ascertained quickly, as the vehicle's lights were still visible below the water before the sun came up.
The vehicle was finally recovered around 1 p.m. on Saturday. SCSO Cpt. Jeff Lee explained that the water current, depth and location of the UTV on the river bed were challenges to the recovery effort, but luckily it was removed safely, quickly and with no other incidents.
"Benewah Motors used their tow truck and utilized KCSO Marine Rescue to hook up the tow to the UTV," he added. "Even some citizens helped with pulling the rope."
Cooley, the passenger, survived the crash with minor injuries while Gagner, the driver, did not. Gagner was located Saturday morning under approximately 3 feet of water near the river bank and roughly 40 feet from where the UTV crashed.
Gagner’s cause of death is yet to be determined, pending an autopsy, and his next of kin have been notified.
SCSO Undersheriff Holly Lindsey said in a news release that although the investigation is ongoing, speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors to this crash.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families impacted by this tragedy," SCSO stated.
Due to the time and location of the incident, the first day of the St. Joe River Jet Boat Races had to be delayed several hours.