Truck removed from Payette River as authorities identify missing driver
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Riley Shoemaker, KIVI
CASCADE (KIVI) – State police are asking witnesses for information after a Dodge Ram pickup truck crashed into the Payette River on Sunday afternoon.
On Monday, ISP temporarily closed State Highway 55 to remove the vehicle from the river with the help of Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue.
After hours of work, the truck finally emerged from the payette, and as crews searched the vehicle, they did not find any occupants.
Ultimately, authorities partially identified the driver of the truck, who remains missing, as a 40-year-old man from Billings, Montana. Idaho State Police is withholding the driver’s name pending notification of next of kin.
Law enforcement and search and rescue officials worked with water managers to reduce upstream releases to facilitate the recovery effort. A kayaker was then guided to the truck, where they attached the vehicle’s frame to a cable and removed the car from the waterway. Cascade Raft and Kayak assisted in the recovery.
“Obviously, with the force of the water, it increases our concern and margin of safety factor that we need to pay attention to with the velocity of the water,” said Pamela Solon with Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue of the recovery effort.
The number and identities of the truck’s occupants remain unclear.
“We’re still working on identifying any occupants, if there were any. And how many, who it was,” said Sergeant Dave Avery, Idaho State Police.
The crash occurred on State Highway 55 near mile marker 93.5, north of Cascade. Idaho State Police received reports that a green Dodge Ram pickup truck crossed into the northbound lane, collided with another vehicle, and went off the roadway into the Payette River.
Witnesses said they saw one occupant exit the pickup truck before being swept downstream by the fast-moving current. Witness information also indicated there may have been others in the truck.
The other vehicle involved held three adults who sustained minor injuries and were released at the scene.
Multiple agencies responded, including law enforcement, rescue teams, and fire crews. On Sunday, hazardous current conditions hindered responders’ ability to safely reach the submerged truck.
“The swift current, high water levels, and challenging conditions have made this a complex response involving specialized rescue resources,” said Idaho State Police Trooper Richard Knapp at the time. “Our focus remains on locating and identifying anyone involved.”
On Monday, traffic on State Highway 55 was backed up for three miles during the recovery effort. The road has since reopened.
Search teams are continuing to look along the banks of the Payette for any survivors.
“Everyone is looking for a great outcome, trying to help their fellow person that may be in a time of need. And everyone just does their part to chip in and try to help everybody out,” concluded Sergeant Avery.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact ISP Dispatch at 208-846-7500. State police also ask that anyone with family members or loved ones who were traveling through the area Sunday afternoon and have been unable to reach them contact ISP as well.