* Final Update* Fatality Crash With Blockage Westbound Interstate 84 Near Burley

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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897

For Immediate Release: 7/4/2018 3:00 p.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

***Final Update***

On Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at 5:07 a.m., the Idaho State Police investigated a three-vehicle fatality crash westbound Interstate 84, at 204.4, near Burley, in Minidoka County.

Laura L. Smith, 53, of Kempner, TX, was driving a 2007 Dodge pickup, towing a 2003 Cadillac Seville on a 2012 U-Haul trailer, eastbound on Interstate 84. Her passengers were Richard D. Johnson, 81, of Deer Park, WA, and Robert P. Smith, 59, of Kempner, TX.

James J. Petrik, 51, of Leavenworth, KS, was driving a FedEx commercial vehicle with double trailers westbound on Interstate 84. His passenger was Carlomagno Gomez-Candia, 57, of Olathe, KS.

Cody J. Cartisser, 18, of Jerome, was driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty westbound on Interstate 84.

Smith drove off the right shoulder, came back to the roadway, drove through the median, and struck the FedEx commercial vehicle. The Cadillac Seville she was hauling came off the trailer and struck the Jeep Liberty. All vehicles came to a stop.

Richard D. Johnson was transported by air ambulance to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, where he succumbed to his injuries. Notification to his family has been made. Johnson was not wearing a seatbelt. Both Laura and Robert Smith were transported by ground ambulance to Minidoka Memorial in Rupert. Laura Smith was later transported by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Laura was wearing a seatbelt.

Cartisser was transported by personal vehicle to the St. Luke's Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

The westbound lanes of Interstate 84 were blocked for 5 hours. This crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police with the assistance from Minidoka County Sheriff's Office, West End Fire Department, and the Idaho Transportation Department.

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***Update***

All lanes are opened. More information will be released when available.

3435

Idaho State Police is investigating a multiple vehicle injury crash on westbound Interstate 84 at milepost 204, near Burley. Westbound lanes are completely blocked and traffic is being diverted on State Highway 25. More information will be released when available.

3435/3725
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