Accident injures two

COEUR d'ALENE - Two North Idaho residents are recovering after a collision at Seltice Way and Siony Lane on Wednesday.

According to Post Falls police, Post Falls residents Christian Gankema, 41, and his wife, Joanna Goetz, 39, were riding a motorcycle westbound on Seltice Way around 5 p.m. when they collided with a Hyundai Accent driven by Mark Tripler, 46, of Post Falls.

Police said Tripler was crossing Seltice's westbound lanes, beginning an eastbound turn when the accident occurred.

Gankema and Goetz, both wearing helmets, were taken to Kootenai Medical Center. Tripler was not injured.

Family members report Gankema suffered five broken ribs, injured his neck and was released Friday. Family members also said Goetz suffered four broken ribs, fractured her neck and is bleeding internally.

Daryl Gankema, Christian's father, said Goetz underwent back surgery Monday and may never walk again.

"Goetz has leukemia," Daryl said. "She needs a bone marrow transplant ... if she is going to be with us much longer."

Goetz was listed in serious condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman,

Police cited Tripler for failure to yield.

Police found 1.2 grams of cocaine in Goetz' purse after the accident. They have requested the Kootenai County prosecutors office charge Goetz with felony of possession for the substance.

"People riding motorcycles just have to be so aware and cautious," Daryl said. "Sometimes it is very hard to see a small object such as a motorcycle.

"This has been one of the hardest times my wife and I have ever had. We are thanking the Lord we still have our only son and his wife with us."