Van Strikes Motorcycle on US 20, Sending Two to the Hospital

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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Idaho State Police
District 6 1540 Foote Dr.
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402-1828
(208) 525-7377 FAX: (208) 525-7294

For Immediate Release: July 16, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

On July 16, 2016, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Idaho State Police investigated a crash on US 20 near milepost 323, in Jefferson County.

Christian D. Schmardebeck, 43, of Idaho Falls, ID, was driving westbound on US 20 in a 2014 Ram Promaster van pulling a 2006 Royal trailer. Brad J. Merrill, 66, of Idaho Falls, ID was also driving westbound, on a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Schmardebeck attempted to change from the slow lane to the fast lane, and struck Merrill.

Jane D. Merrill, 59, of Idaho Falls, ID, was a passenger on the motorcycle. Jane Merrill was transported by air ambulance, and Brad Merrill was transported by ground ambulance, both to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, ID. Both Merrills were wearing helmets.

The crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police, with assistance from Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Rigby Police Department.

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