Social media updates on yesterday's Driver's Ed car collision

August 19, 2014

To update and provide full information on yesterday's auto accident, here is a copy of the story from the NewsBF Facebook page.  Also noted are Facebook posts from relatives of those involved in the accident.  Some of these postings are from relatives who have posted on our NewsBF Facebook page, others from other Facebook pages: From NewsBF Facebook page: Five people were hospitalized Monday in a head-on collision involving a Bonners Ferry pastor and Bonners Ferry drivers ed students. While there were serious injuries involved, all are expected to make full recoveries. According to the Idaho State Police, Reece C. Bell, 14, Bonners Ferry, was driving the 2010 Chevy Malibu drivers ed car with instructor Travis Hinthorn, 42, in the passenger seat and Anthony Minor, 14, in the back seat, traveling south. Pastor Garrett Graupner, 49, of Mountain Springs Church in Bonners Ferry was driving north in a 2002 Toyota pickup with his son, Phinehas Graupner, 9. The two vehicles hit head on near Hooten's Hollow, near milepost 513 on Highway 95, at about 11:01 a.m. August 18. When the accident occurred, deputies and border patrol were responding to a single vehicle motorcycle collision on Highway 95 near Mt. Hall Junction; a LifeFlite helicopter was dispatched to that accident, but diverted enroute to the milepost 513 collision and additional helicopters launched. Information on the motorcycle accident has not been released, but the rider, who was not local, driving a full sized Harley Davidson, was flown to a Spokane hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. In the mile 513 crash, which closed the highway for several hours, Bell and Hinthorn were transported to Boundary Community Hospital for treatment while Minor and both Garrett and Phinehas Graupner were all flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane. The cause of that accident remains under investigation. We at News Bonners Ferry wish each of those involved a full and speedy recovery, and send our thanks to all who responded to render aid. -------------------- From Tristyn Van Dyken, posted on the NewsBF Facebook page: "Anthony is in ICU, they weren't able to do surgery right away like they had hoped to because one of his six broken ribs is jagged and they're afraid to puncture his lung. I'm glad everyone is supposed to make a good recovery, but keep Anthony in your thoughts and prayers as he should be going into surgery hopefully between now and Thursday. This is from his cousin." -------------------- From Kelly Hinthorn Facebook page: "I just want to start by thanking everyone who helped today in what has been a very difficult day. We are so appreciative to all of the medical staff who worked on everyone involved. You know who you are and we can't thank you enough. Today proved why we choose to live in Bonners Ferry, and we are so thankful for all of your support. Please know that I did see all of your texts and messages, but it was impossible to respond to everyone. While this has been the most difficult day of our lives, we also know it could have been much worse. 'I know you have all been asking for an update so here it is... Travis has a broken right leg, broken left hand, broken ribs, and just got out of surgery to repair an open fractured right elbow. He will be in Kootenai Medical for at least a few days. Having only one functioning limb, recovery will be quite a challenge. I suggested he teach language arts and I would teach PE, but apparently his head has checked out fine. We thank you for all of your prayers - I could definitely feel them throughout the day. Please continue to pray for everyone. Love to a great community. Kelly" -------------------- From the Mountain Springs Church Facebook page: "Garrett [Graupner] is having minor surgery and has a few broken bones and other bumps/bruises but is stable and in good spirit. The Graupner’s son has a broken arm, along with bumps & bruises. That is the extent of his injuries, he is resting and doing well."