A 16-year-old Rathdrum girl died Saturday from injuries she suffered the day before when her vehicle left the roadway on State Highway 41, according to the Idaho State Police. The crash, which occurred just before 2:30 p.m. Friday, took place near Wyoming Avenue as the teen was driving northbound on the highway.
Investigators determined the girl lost control of her vehicle and struck a traffic light pole at the intersection. She was transported to a nearby hospital following the collision but succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Idaho State Police noted the teenager was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash. The cause of the loss of control had not been publicly disclosed as of initial reporting.
State Highway 41 runs through the Rathdrum area and serves as a primary corridor for residents throughout northern Kootenai County. The stretch near Wyoming Avenue sees regular traffic from both local commuters and those traveling between communities in the region.
The crash is a reminder of the dangers young and inexperienced drivers can face, particularly on rural North Idaho roads. Authorities have not released the teen’s name pending family notification.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Idaho State Police. For other recent public safety news from around the region, see coverage of a Spokane man released following his girlfriend’s shooting death as investigators continue their inquiry.