A 72-year-old man from Arimo died late Monday night after losing control of his vehicle on Mink Creek Road south of Pocatello, according to Idaho State Police.
The crash occurred just before 10 p.m. on June 15 near the intersection of Mink Creek Road and Wright Lane. The man was driving a 2017 Genesis G80 southbound on Mink Creek Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
The driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and died at the scene from his injuries. Idaho State Police responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. The man’s identity has not yet been publicly released.
Seatbelt Use Remains a Critical Factor in Crash Survival
Traffic safety officials consistently point to seatbelt non-compliance as a leading factor in crash fatalities across Idaho. Single-vehicle crashes involving loss of control on rural roads — particularly at night — carry a significantly elevated risk of serious injury or death, and proper restraint use can make a decisive difference in outcomes.
Mink Creek Road is a two-lane rural corridor that winds through the hills south of Pocatello, connecting the valley to smaller communities and recreational areas. Curves along the road demand careful speed management, particularly in low-light conditions.
What Comes Next
Idaho State Police are expected to release the driver’s identity once next of kin have been notified. The investigation into the exact cause of the crash remains open. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
This crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by rural roadways at night. Bannock County has seen a number of serious traffic incidents in recent months. A pickup rollover near Fort Hall left a boy dead and an adult airlifted after both were ejected from the vehicle, and five children were transported to Portneuf Medical Center after a vehicle struck a pedestrian group near Ross Park in Pocatello.
Idaho State Police continue to urge all motorists to wear seatbelts, obey posted speed limits, and exercise heightened caution on rural roads after dark.