On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, starting at approximately 6:08 a.m., Blaine County Sheriff deputies responded to a series of slide-offs which resulted in an injury to a good samaritan on Highway 75 near the bridge north of Hospital Drive in Ketchum, Idaho.
Crash scene investigation determined that Alejandro Ponce Valladares, age 43 of Ketchum, Idaho, was traveling northbound on Hwy 75 when he lost control of a red 2006 Toyota Tacoma due to icy road conditions, crossed the center lane divider, and crashed into the southbound guardrail. Ponce was uninjured and his vehicle sustained minor damage.
Shortly afterward at approximately 6:33 a.m., Desreen Bryson Wilson, age 27 of Hailey, Idaho also traveling northbound on Highway 75 lost control of a 2004 black GMC Envoy due to the icy road conditions. Wilson's vehicle also crossed the center lane divider, crashed into the guardrail, and came to rest across the two southbound lanes.
Ponce observed the second slide-off happen in front of him and came over to help Wilson. While Ponce was checking on Wilson, Brian Perry Richter, age 43 of Ketchum, Idaho, traveling southbound on Highway 75 in a green 1996 Chevrolet Suburban, struck Wilson's GMC Envoy causing it to strike Ponce. Ponce was transported by air ambulance to St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise in serious condition. Wilson and Richter did not report any injuries.
Wilson's vehicle received significant damage was towed from the scene. Richter's vehicle received moderate front-end damage and was driven from the scene.
"It is not uncommon for bridges to get icy when the temperatures drop due to the cold air underneath the roadway. We urge everyone to use extra caution when approaching them, especially at night and in the early morning hours," said Sheriff Steve Harkins.
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