Student dies in car accident, texting may be related
Idaho State Police are investigating what may have caused a collision that killed a USU student in a three-vehicle crash Saturday, Jan. 14.
According to police, 18-year-old Taylor Sauer of Caldwell, Idaho, was traveling west on Interstate 84, 13 miles east of Mountain Home, Idaho, when her 2004 Saturn Vue impacted the back of a tanker being pulled by a westbound International semitrailer.
Following the initial collision, Sauer’s vehicle was struck on the side by a second westbound semitrailer, which swerved into the median after impact. Police said the accident happened approximately 9 p.m. and said Sauer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cpl. Quinn Carmack, a specialist on the Idaho State Crash Reconstruction Unit, said police are investigating causes of the accident and a primary report will be issued within a week.
Sauer was wearing a seatbelt and alcohol was not present at the scene of the accident, Carmack said. Several news outlets have reported that the crash may have been caused by texting while driving. Whether or not texting caused the accident is still under investigation.
“We won’t put anything out until we have full verification,” Carmack said.
Of the damage caused, Carmack said, “The Saturn was severely damaged as well as the front side of the semi-tractor. The semi that swerved had an axle that broke off.”
David Seefried, the driver of the International semitrailer, was reportedly unharmed. The driver of the second semitrailer, Slawomir Porada, was transported to Elmore Medical Center for treatment.
Sauer was a freshman elementary education major. As written in her obituary, Sauer’s goal was to teach fifth grade. She loved children and loved serving her friends, family members said, according to the obituary.
Sauer’s funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21 at the Marsing High School gymnasium, 301 Eighth Ave. West in Marsing.
A Taylor Sauer Memorial Fund has been created by the family that will provide scholarships for other students. Donations can be made to this fund at any U.S. Bank branch.
– ariwrees@gmail.com