Heather Marshall Obituary, Death: Lewiston woman identified in fatal crash near Cove.
Heather Marshall Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the victim in a tragic head-on collision that occurred Sunday afternoon north of Cove, Utah. Heather Marshall, a 39-year-old woman from Lewiston, lost her life in the crash, which happened on US-91 about a mile south of the Utah-Idaho border.
The accident was reported at 1:43 p.m. on December 15. According to Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Kendrick, Marshall was driving a Mazda3 northbound when a southbound GMC Terrain SUV lost control and veered into her lane, striking her car head-on. Marshall was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses stated that the SUV appeared to hydroplane before the collision, though investigators have yet to confirm the exact cause. Sgt. Kendrick emphasized the role of winter weather and road conditions in such incidents, reminding drivers of the importance of proper vehicle maintenance during colder months.
“Tires are a big factor this time of year,” Kendrick said. “With bad weather, wet roads, or snow and ice, it is important to have good equipment and be prepared for the road you are on.”
The GMC Terrain carried three occupants, all of whom were injured in the crash. The driver, a man from Preston, Idaho, was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered significant injuries. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. The front-seat passenger, a woman who had been wearing a seatbelt, also sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital in Salt Lake City. In the backseat, a 10-month-old baby was secured in a car seat. The child was flown to Primary Children’s Hospital for care.
The collision has sparked renewed concern about road safety on US-91, particularly as it marks the third fatal accident along this stretch of road within a month. Sgt. Kendrick noted that these crashes underscore the critical importance of driver attentiveness and caution, especially during the winter months.
In November, a similar head-on collision claimed the life of Timothy Christian Moosman, a 44-year-old man from Preston, Idaho. Moosman was driving northbound on US-91 in a Dodge pickup truck near Richmond when a southbound Ford pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with him. The accident occurred just north of the Main Street intersection.
Last week, another fatal crash occurred on US-91 near Legacy Drive in Franklin. A 23-year-old woman from Preston, Idaho, was killed in a multi-vehicle accident that remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.
Sgt. Kendrick pointed out that drowsy driving appears to have been a contributing factor in all three crashes. He urged drivers to take precautions if they feel fatigued while behind the wheel.
“Yeah, these have all involved being tired,” Kendrick explained. “So, if you are drowsy or tired, pull over and rest a minute or get some sleep before you drive. Obviously, we want people to also slow down, be careful, and wear your seat belts.”
In addition to drowsy driving, Kendrick reiterated the importance of slowing down and ensuring vehicles are equipped to handle icy or wet roads. Proper tire maintenance, seatbelt use, and staying alert can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, particularly during winter when weather conditions are unpredictable.
As the investigation into Marshall’s death continues, her family and community are mourning the loss of a beloved individual. Funeral arrangements for Marshall have not yet been finalized.
This series of recent accidents along US-91 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that winter driving can pose. Authorities continue to urge drivers to take precautions, remain vigilant, and prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies on the road.
