Father of DeOrr Kunz, others involved in serious car crash
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UPDATE 7:40 p.m. In a message posted on Facebook, Vernal DeOrr Kunz writes: “I am fine. Please pray for the lady in the other car. She was unresponsive. It was bad. I am worried about her. I worry.”
UPDATE 6:40 p.m. — Idaho State Police issued the following news release:
On Sunday, July 10, 2016, at 1:50 p.m., the Idaho State Police investigated a two-vehicle injury crash on State Highway 39 at W 400 S, near Pingree.
Rachel Tankersley, 26, of Pingree, was driving a 1998 Toyota Camry westbound on 400 S. Vernal Kunz, 26, of Montpelier, was driving a 1996 Ford F250 pickup southbound on State Highway 39. Tankersley failed to yield to a stop sign and the vehicles collided in the intersection.
Tankersley was wearing a seatbelt, and transported by air ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello. Her two juvenile passengers were traveling in car seats and were transported by ground ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center.
Kunz, and his two passengers, Brittiny Hathaway, 26, of Pocatello, and a juvenile were transported by ground ambulance to Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot.
Both Vernal Kunz and the juvenile were wearing seatbelts. Brittiny Hathaway was not wearing a seatbelt.
ORIGINAL STORY
BLACKFOOT — The father of a two-year-old boy who disappeared in Leadore one year ago today was in a serious car crash this afternoon in Blackfoot.
Idaho State Police confirm Vernal DeOrr Kunz was involved in a two-vehicle injury crash on State Highway 39 near milepost 40, north of Pingree.
Investigators say at least three people involved in the accident were transported to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, while others were transported to Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot.
Witnesses say Kunz, a woman and child were traveling in one vehicle when it appears they hit the driver of another vehicle who had gone through a stop sign.
A medical helicopter responded to the scene and at least two ambulance were dispatched, according to witnesses.
RELATED: ONE YEAR LATER – THE DEORR KUNZ MYSTERY
Kunz sustained an ankle injury, according to family members, and was expected to be released from the hospital Sunday evening.
ISP would not comment on Kunz’s condition or the condition of others involved in the crash.
More information will be released as it becomes available.