Two Potlatch Residents Killed After UTV Plunges Into St. Joe River Near St. Maries
A man and woman from Potlatch lost their lives Friday night after the utility terrain vehicle they were riding in veered off a roadway east of St. Maries and tumbled down an embankment into the St. Joe River, Idaho State Police reported.
The crash occurred at approximately 9:25 p.m. near the 9000 block of Railroad Grade Road. The two occupants — a 52-year-old man who was operating the vehicle and a 51-year-old woman — were traveling in a 2023 Can-Am Maverick Sport when the UTV left the road. Neither individual was wearing a seat belt. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Their names were not released pending full notification of family members, according to a state police news release.
The roadway remained closed for roughly four and a half hours as emergency crews responded. In addition to Idaho State Police, the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office and Benewah County EMS assisted at the scene.
Seat Belt Use a Factor
Authorities noted that neither occupant was restrained at the time of the crash. Idaho law requires seat belt use in motor vehicles, and safety officials have repeatedly emphasized that proper restraint systems in off-road UTVs can significantly reduce fatalities in rollover and embankment incidents.
The St. Joe River corridor, a popular recreational area in northern Idaho, draws riders and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the warmer months. Crashes involving off-road vehicles on rural roads and embankments have been a persistent public safety concern across the region.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. No additional information on the victims’ identities was available as of Saturday. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Idaho State Police. For other public safety news across the region, visit Idaho News.