Media Manager

BOISE - Idaho Transportation Department Director Dave Ekern expressed his sympathy today to the families of two ITD employees who were killed in a head-on collision on U.S. 95, about four miles south of White Bird this morning.

"We are always concerned by the loss of lives on our highways, but it is especially tragic when we lose members of our own ITD family employees who dedicate their lives and service to keeping Idaho highways safe," Ekern said.

Jim Onthank and Toby Stevens were killed when a southbound cement truck, driven by Walter H. Merrill, 49, of Cottonwood, blew a front tire, crossed into their lane and struck the front of the ITD dump truck. The crash prompted the closure of U.S. 95 for most of the day.

Onthank was a 17-year veteran of the transportation department; Stevens worked for ITD about one year. Both were 43 and lived in the Grangeville area.

"We want to express our deepest sympathies to the families of Jim and Toby," Ekern said. No one is ever prepared for such an event, and I know that I speak for all ITD employees in acknowledging how deeply the loss will be felt throughout the department. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of all who were involved in this tragic crash."

Onthank and Stevens were stationed at the Grangeville maintenance facility and were en route to fill potholes on U.S. 95. Their six-wheel truck was equipped with asphalt heating/mixing equipment.

Idaho State Police reports indicate the tumbler broke loose from the cement truck and came to rest on the cab of the ITD truck.

Merrill was in serious condition after being transported by ambulance to Syringa General Hospital, Grangeville.