Woman dies in accident son still in critical condition

Icy roads resulted in a number of accidents on Thanksgiving Day, including a fatal accident near Bonners Ferry and another near Elmira that sent five people to the hospital.

Tanya M. McCoy, 40, of Bonners Ferry was southbound at 8 a.m. on Highway 95 near milepost 508.7 when she lost control of her vehicle and slide across both the southbound and northbound lanes. The 1994 Toyota Landcruiser went over the jersey barrier and down a steep embankment, overturning several times.

Both Tanya McCoy and passenger, Andrew A. McCoy, 10, also of Bonners Ferry, were ejected down the hill.

Tanya McCoy died from her injuries and Andrew McCoy was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition Thursday evening.  An account has been set up at Panhandle State Bank in the name of Tonya and Andrew McCoy to help with medical costs.

An investigation into the accident is continuing.

In the Elmira accident, Debra Rausch, 53, of Alberta, Canada was southbound about 4:22 p.m. on Highway 95 near milepost 489, when she attempted to pass another vehicle on a long, straight stretch of road covered in snow and ice.

Rausch lost control and went onto the west shoulder of the road, where the 2003 Excursion overturned and came to rest on its top, according to an Idaho State Police press release.

Rausch was uninjured but her five passengers were taken to Bonner General Hospital. Hospital officials said all five were “very stable” and being released.

Inured were Stephanie G. Arcus, 28, of Alberta; Amy L. Mulholland, 31, of Alberta; Emily D. Rausch, 20, of Alberta; Samantha D. Rausch, 18, of Alberta; and Caleb D. Arcus, 6 months, of Alberta.

All six were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.