Li Nie, Aifeng Wan Obituary, Death: Seven Victims Identified in Fatal Idaho Tour Van Crash
Li Nie, Aifeng Wan Obituary, Death – More than two weeks after a devastating crash near Henry’s Lake in Idaho, the Idaho State Police (ISP) have officially released the names of the seven individuals who lost their lives in the accident involving a tour van and a pickup truck. The announcement follows a detailed and collaborative identification process carried out with the Fremont County Coroner’s Office, the Ada County Coroner’s Office, and ISP’s own Forensic Services.
The tragic accident, which drew national and international attention due to the involvement of both U.S. residents and foreign nationals, occurred when a pickup truck crossed the center line and collided head-on with a tour van. Authorities say the crash resulted in the deaths of everyone involved.
The seven victims have been identified as follows:
- Ivana Wen, 28, from Milan, Italy
- Jian Shi, 56, from Shanghai, China
- Li Nie, 64, from Arcadia, California
- Aifeng Wan, 53, also from Arcadia, California
- Xiaoming Jiang, 66, from Guilin, Guangxi Province, China
- Yu Zhang, 30, from Eastvale, California – identified as the driver of the tour van
- Isaih Moreno, 25, from Humble, Texas – identified as the driver of the Dodge Ram pickup truck
The ISP, in its public statement, described the identification process as complex and meticulous, given the severe nature of the crash and the international scope of the victims’ origins. Brenda Dye, the Fremont County Coroner, praised the collaborative effort and the professionalism of all agencies involved, emphasizing how critical the cooperation was in ensuring that each victim was correctly identified and that families received accurate and timely information.
“This tragic incident required thorough coordination and careful attention to detail,” Dye stated in a news release. “I’m grateful to the Ada County Coroner’s Office and Idaho State Police Forensic Services for their professionalism and support. Their collaboration was essential to ensuring accurate identification and proper documentation for the families of those lost.”
While the investigation into the cause of the crash remains open, officials have confirmed that the Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Moreno crossed the center line, leading to the fatal head-on collision with the Mercedes van. Authorities have not yet determined why the truck veered into the opposite lane, and no final conclusions about the cause have been announced.
Idaho State Police indicated that this will likely be their final major update regarding the incident. They also extended thanks to all first responders, investigators, and good Samaritans who assisted at the crash site in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
“This crash has been one of the most complex and difficult we’ve had to investigate,” said ISP Captain Chris Weadick. “Given the dynamic nature of the crash, the number of casualties, and the involvement of foreign nationals, this has been a highly complex investigation. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we’ve worked to confirm facts and provide verified information.”
The crash has deeply affected multiple communities across the globe. Victims hailed from as far as China and Italy, as well as from different parts of the United States. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through both local and international communities, particularly in areas like Arcadia, California, and Eastvale, where several of the victims resided.
Investigators faced numerous challenges due to the severity of the impact and subsequent fire. First responders who arrived at the scene described a chaotic and harrowing situation. Despite those challenges, emergency personnel and medical examiners worked tirelessly to process the scene, care for the deceased, and eventually begin the lengthy process of identification.
Authorities have acknowledged the emotional and logistical difficulties this incident created, especially for the families of the deceased, some of whom live outside the United States and required translation, consular involvement, and international coordination. ISP and other officials say they have worked diligently to keep these families informed and to treat the process with the utmost respect.
Although officials have said this is likely their last major update on the crash, the investigation into why the Dodge pickup crossed the center line remains ongoing. Police have not publicly confirmed whether driver fatigue, impairment, distraction, or mechanical failure may have played a role in the crash. No additional findings have been released pending further analysis.
As Idaho and the broader communities touched by this tragedy continue to grieve, the focus now shifts toward remembrance of the victims and support for their loved ones. ISP, in concluding its announcement, asked the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts, and reiterated their appreciation for all those who provided assistance, from first responders to everyday citizens who stopped to help at the scene.
This heartbreaking event has served as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be lost and the importance of road safety for everyone on the road, regardless of where they come from or where they are headed.
