An investigation is currently underway to determine why a 40-year-old woman from Boise, Idaho, drove her SUV off a high-bridge, plunging 70 feet below into water, during the morning hours on June 2.
Shortly after 7 a.m., Ada County Sheriff’s deputies received the call from a witness who reportedly saw the vehicle drive off the Idaho 21 long bridge.
In the car with her were her three children; two girls, ages 13 and 8, one boy, age 11. They all have been recovered and confirmed deceased by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
After hitting the water, the vehicle fell 40 feet to the Lucky Peak River bottom. Boise Fire Department divers recovered the bodies of the three children, but had to wait for the red Land Rover SUV to be lifted to the surface before removing the woman because the vehicle was badly damage, trapping her.
The sheriff’s office estimates the fall is roughly 50 to 70 feet; the force of the impact crushed the top of the SUV, crumpling it like a soda can.
A preliminary investigation turned up no skid or brake marks where the SUV went over the edge. Investigators will now conduct evidence tests within the vehicle to determine whether or not the crash was caused by a mechanical error.
“We do not know if it was a mechanical issue or a medical issue or if this was in fact an intentional act on the mother’s part,” said Ada County Sheriff’s Office Captain Dana Borgquist, according to a KBOI2 report. “We’re investigating that at this time, we’re going to follow up on every lead.”
