CORRECTION – Final Update: Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Idaho State Police is issuing the following corrections to the news release issued this afternoon:

• The prior release incorrectly stated that Jian Shi, age 56, of Shanghai, China, was among the deceased. This was incorrect as Jian Shi sustained injuries but survived the crash.
• The decedent should have been identified as Jianping Li, age 71, of Guangxi, China.

We regret the error and remain committed to accuracy and transparency as the investigation continues.

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(Update: May 16, 2025, at 2:36 p.m.)
FINAL UPDATE: Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Idaho State Police (ISP) continues to investigate the May 1, 2025, fatal two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake.

Following collaborative efforts through the Fremont County Coroner’s Office with Ada County Coroner’s Office and Idaho State Police Forensic Services, the following individuals have been identified as the deceased:

• Ivana Wen, age 28, of Milan, Italy
• Jian Shi, age 56, of Shanghai, China
• Li Nie, age 64, of Arcadia, California, USA
• Aifeng Wan, age 53, of Arcadia, California, USA
• Xiaoming Jiang, age 66, of Guilin, Guangxi Province, China
• Yu Zhang, age 30, of Eastvale, California, USA (identified as the van’s driver)
• Isaih Moreno, age 25, of Humble, Texas, USA (previously identified as the Dodge Ram driver)

“This tragic incident required thorough coordination and careful attention to detail,” said Fremont County Coroner Brenda Dye. “I’m grateful to the Ada County Coroner’s Office and Idaho State Police Forensic Services for their professionalism and support. Their collaboration was essential to ensuring accurate identification and proper documentation for the families of those lost.”

The crash, which involved a tour van and a pickup truck, claimed the lives of seven individuals. Based on evidence, investigators determined that the Dodge Ram pickup crossed the center line and collided with the eastbound Mercedes van. The reason for the pickup’s movement remains under investigation. Crash reconstruction and additional testing are still underway.

“While ISP responds to many collisions, this was especially traumatic due to the challenging scene and number of lives affected,” said Captain Chris Weadick, Idaho State Police District 6. “I commend Sgt. Higley and his team for their professionalism and dedication. This investigation required immense time and precision to gather the right information and respectfully serve the families.”

“We’re deeply grateful to the passersby who stopped to help and Sheriff Bart Quayle and his deputies from Fremont County who responded immediately. Their quick actions undoubtedly saved lives. This is what law enforcement looks like in Idaho—we work together when it matters most,” Weadick added. “We want to thank Fremont County EMS and Fire, many of whom are volunteers, for their quick deployment, arrival, and critical role in triaging and assisting the wounded. Their response made a significant difference in the immediate aftermath.”

“We also thank Coroner Brenda Dye for her leadership throughout this challenging case. Her immediate coordination with the DNA experts at Idaho State Police Forensic Services and the forensic pathologists and investigators at the Ada County Coroner’s Office allowed for a timely, thorough, coordinated, and comprehensive identification of the decedents.”

“Given the dynamic nature of the crash, the number of casualties, and the involvement of foreign nationals, this has been a highly complex investigation. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we’ve worked to confirm facts and provide verified information.”

The investigation remains open pending final test results and continued reconstruction analysis.

No further updates are anticipated.

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(Update: May 6, 2025, at 3:37 p.m.)
UPDATE: Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Idaho State Police (ISP) continues investigating the fatal crash that occurred on May 1 on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake.

Based on current evidence, investigating troopers have determined that the Dodge Ram pickup crossed the center line and struck the eastbound Mercedes passenger van. This finding will be documented in the official Idaho Vehicle Crash Report (IVCR).

The reason the pickup crossed the center line remains unknown and is under investigation. Crash reconstruction is ongoing, and ISP troopers are working to determine all contributing factors.

Due to a commercial vehicle’s involvement and the magnitude of the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also conducting an independent investigation. NTSB personnel have visited the scene and are reviewing evidence. While information is being shared between ISP and the NTSB, each agency is conducting its own investigation.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost in this tragedy,” said ISP Sgt. Blake Higley. “We are incredibly grateful to the passersby who stopped to help and to the first responders whose quick actions and teamwork aided those in critical need. This was a challenging and emotional scene for everyone involved.”

The investigation remains active, and additional updates will be provided as information is verified and appropriate for release.

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(Update: May 3, 2025, at 12:46 p.m.)
UPDATE: Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Idaho State Police continues to investigate the fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred on May 1 on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake.

Of the 14 occupants in the Mercedes van, the driver was licensed in California. The passengers included 12 individuals of Chinese nationality and one of Italian nationality. The group was traveling to Yellowstone National Park on an excursion organized by Ctour Holiday LLC, a large-scale receptive tour operator that provides international travel services.

Next-of-kin notifications are ongoing and coordinated with appropriate local and international authorities. Due to the international nature of those involved, the process is complex and will take additional time.

As part of the investigation, the deceased will be transported to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for autopsy and formal confirmation of identity. This step is essential to ensure accurate identification and documentation.

ISP troopers continue to work closely with Ctour Holiday LLC and remain in contact with the Consulates of China and Italy as the investigation progresses.

Due to privacy considerations, no information regarding the medical status of the injured will be released.

Additional updates will be provided as information is verified and becomes available.

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(Update: May 2, 2025, at 2:56 p.m.)
UPDATE: Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Fremont County Coroner’s Office has identified the driver of the Dodge Ram pickup involved in the May 1 crash on U.S. Highway 20 as 25-year-old Isaih Moreno of Humble, Texas.

Due to the complexity of the incident, the identification of all individuals involved and notification of their next of kin will take time. ISP will continue to provide verified information on behalf of the Fremont County Coroner’s Office as it becomes available. The Coroner’s Office is not conducting interviews related to this crash.

The Dodge Ram was traveling westbound (southbound on a map), while the Mercedes van was traveling eastbound (northbound on a map) toward Yellowstone National Park.

All occupants involved in the crash were transported for medical care. Three were flown by air ambulance—one to Bozeman, Montana, and two to Idaho Falls, Idaho. The remaining individuals were transported by ground ambulance to area hospitals with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

A Fremont County Sheriff’s deputy arrived shortly after the crash and, with the help of bystanders, immediately assisted injured occupants of the van as it caught fire.

Updates will be released as information is verified.

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(Update: May 2, 2025, at 10:29 a.m.)
UPDATE: Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Idaho State Police (ISP) is continuing its investigation into a two-vehicle crash with multiple fatalities that occurred Thursday evening, May 1, on eastbound U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., ISP troopers responded to the collision at milepost 399. The crash involved a Dodge Ram pickup and a Mercedes passenger van. There were 14 occupants in the van and one occupant, the driver, in the pickup. Tragically, six individuals in the van and the driver of the pickup died as a result of the crash.

The van was operating as a tour vehicle. Due to the magnitude of the incident and the ongoing process of notifying the next of kin, no names, ages, hometowns, or nationalities have been released. Once available, the Fremont County Coroner’s Office will provide information.

U.S. Highway 20 was fully closed for nearly seven hours while emergency responders and the Idaho Transportation Department worked to manage the scene and clear the roadway. The road is open for regular traffic.

ISP continues to investigate the cause of the collision. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided.

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(Original Release: May 1, 2025)
Multiple Fatality Crash on US20 Near Henry’s Lake

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho – The Idaho State Police (ISP) is investigating a two-vehicle crash with multiple fatalities that occurred Thursday evening, May 1, on eastbound U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake.

Just before 7:15 p.m., ISP troopers responded to the crash at milepost 399. The preliminary investigation indicates the collision involved a 2021 black Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a Mercedes passenger van. The van, which was reportedly transporting a tour group, caught fire following the crash.

Tragically, seven individuals have died because of the crash. Six were occupants of the van, and the driver of the pickup. The van had nine occupants.

Emergency medical personnel responded and treated at least sixteen patients. Due to the severity of the injuries, one air ambulance and additional air and ground resources were dispatched.

The Fremont County Coroner’s Office will release the names of the deceased after the next of kin have been notified. That office will also determine the cause and manner of each death.

U.S. Highway 20 remains fully closed while first responders investigate the incident. The Idaho Transportation Department is assisting with traffic control until the road is cleared. There is no expected timeline for its opening.

ISP is leading the investigation with assistance from local and regional partners. At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Posted in District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho