Hayden, ID - Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office responds to a vehicle that drove into Hayden Lake at the Honeysuckle Boat Launch.
On Tuesday, January 07, 2020, at about 1:50 pm, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Northern Lakes Fire and EMS responded to the Honeysuckle Boat Launch for a vehicle that drove into the water. The Kootenai County Dive Rescue Team was called as the vehicle was still occupied and starting to sink. Several Deputies arrived on scene and observed a vehicle partially submerged with one occupant in the vehicle.
A citizen attempted to swim out to the vehicle but was not able to open the door or break any windows and needed to return to the shore due to the cold water. Deputies were able to reach out and grab the vehicle and drag it to the dock. Once at the dock Deputies were able to punch out the rear window and remove the driver who was at the rear of the vehicle in an air pocket.
Dive team members searched the vehicle and surrounding area to confirm the driver was the only occupant. The driver was identified as Joyce M. Green, a 64 year old female from Coeur d’Alene. Joyce was transported to Kootenai Health for potential hypothermia treatment.
At this time, alcohol appears to not be a factor of the accident. This accident is still under investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available.
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger
By: Lt. Ryan Higgins
20-00871