Local teen seriously hurt in head-on

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry High School cheerleader Kelsey Shutes, 18, was injured in a head-on car crash on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Shutes was northbound on Highway 95 in Boundary County when she crossed the center line in her 2004 Chevy Aveo and struck a 2010 Chevy pickup driven by Gerald D. Palmer, 46 of Creston, British Columbia, according to an Idaho State Police report.

She was on her way home from the District Cheerleading competition in Moscow when the accident occurred at 9:46 p.m.

Shutes, who was not wearing a seatbelt, according to ISP, was transported to Kootenai Medical Center by Life Flight.

Palmer and his passenger, Samantha J. Palmer, 29, also of Creston, sustained injuries and were taken to Boundary Community Hospital.

The Palmers were wearing seatbelts.

Shutes remains in critical condition at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene.

She is recovering from her injuries and her older sister Lexi Wages said the family is very appreciative of all the prayers and support they have received.

BFHS cheerleaders took it upon themselves to begin raising money for Kelsey.

They have placed donation cans around the community of Bonners Ferry. The cheerleaders took first in the District competition and earned a trip to state competition, however that’s taken a back seat to Shutes’ well-being, said one of her teammates.

“Everything changed so fast,” said McKayla Moore. “We were so excited to be going to state, but now it’s not that important.”

While her parents stand vigil by Kelsey’s bedside, two websites have been set up to handle the outpouring of community support for the Shutes family.

The Pray for Kelsey Facebook page provides ongoing updates on her condition and a place for friends and neighbors to express their support.

Lisa Kellogg Carle set up a GoFundMe site for Kelsey that raised more than $5,500 in the 24 hours after it was established .

Carle had to increase the goal of the fundraiser just to keep up with the number of people who wanted to donate.

Anyone who wants to donate can go to www.gofundme.com/6s220s to help.

The accident is under investigation, according to ISP.