Region 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897
For Immediate Release: 09/28/2011 01:54 a.m.
Contact: Corporal Wendler
On September 27, 2011, at 6:41 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a fatal crash on Interstate 84 near Wendell, Idaho. Michael R. Whelchel, 46, of Caldwell, was traveling west on Interstate 84 in a 1996 Chevrolet pickup. Whelchel drifted off the left shoulder of the road near milepost 148, over-corrected and came back onto the interstate striking a 2005 GMC Yukon traveling in the right lane before going off the right shoulder and rolling his vehicle. Whelchel was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. Whelchel succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The GMC Yukon driven by Mary L. Hall, 66, of Glenns Ferry, spun out on the interstate and came to rest in the median. Hall, and her passengers were all wearing seatbelts and received minor injuries.
It does not appear that alcohol, drugs, or weather were related to this crash. Road blockage was experienced for approximately 3 hours with Gooding County deputies assisting with traffic control. This crash is under investigation by Corporal Wendler with assistance from Trooper Walker.
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