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Monday crash claims life of ITD's Jonathan Prahasto

The Idaho Transportation Department lost a long-time friend and respected employee when Jonathan Prahasto died in a tragic two-vehicle crash Monday near Ashton.

Prahasto, 55, was westbound in a one-ton ITD pickup truck on U.S. 20 when it collided with a Peterbilt semi-truck carrying produce. The 2010 GMC Sierra pickup was destroyed in the crash; the semi-truck overturned on the side of the highway. Truck driver Mandeep Singh, 30, Surry, B.C., was transported to Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg with minor injuries, according to the Idaho State Police (ISP).

The crash occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. The highway was closed about two hours while ISP and Fremont County Sheriff’s Department investigated.

“ITD employees throughout the state join with District 6 this week in mourning the loss of our colleague,” said Director Brian Ness. “I want to express to Jonathan’s family how deeply we have been touched by his loss. I encourage fellow ITD workers who knew and respected Jonathan to do everything possible to help his family through this very difficult time.

“Monday’s crash is a reminder of the risk our employees take every day in service to their state,” the director added. “We do everything possible to ensure that our employees are safe on Idaho highways, from training, to the use of special equipment and high-visibility clothes. Providing safe transportation for all highway users, including our employees and the public, is our highest priority.”

Prahasto, a 16-year ITD veteran, lived in Island Park and worked out of ITD’s Island Park maintenance facility as a transportation technician.

He had a great love for the area in which he lived and was “a passionate conservationist who worked to preserve the region’s natural resources,” according to a report in the Island Park News. He also was dedicated to improving his city by serving on the Island Park Planning and Zoning Commission.

He is survived by wife Genny and many friends, family members and co-workers. Funeral arrangements are pending.

The fatal crash is the first involving an on-duty ITD employee in more than five years.