Police: Alcohol, speed contributed to fatal crash

POST FALLS - Police on Monday said they believe that alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the fatal accident of a Post Falls teen early Sunday.

Hannah M. Rhoades, 17, died after the 1991 Toyota Corolla she was driving crashed into a tree on Seltice Way at 3 a.m. at the Bank of America lot, according to Idaho State Police.

The passenger, Sabrina R. Runkle, 17, remained in intensive care on Monday at Kootenai Medical Center, police said.

Rhoades was traveling eastbound east of Spokane Street when she failed to negotiate a slight curve in the roadway.

"This is such a terrible tragedy," said ISP Cpl. Charles Greear. "We do believe speed and alcohol were contributingfactors."

Greear said toxicology results will be available in a week to 10 days and the estimated speed will be determined upon further investigation.

"The speed was well in excess of the posted speed limit of 35," he said.

He said neither occupant was wearing a seat belt.

Greear said there were no skid marks at the scene.

"The vehicle just left the road and went straight into the tree," he said. "There were no indications of steering input or braking. The road slowly curves to the right, but she just continued in an essentially straight line to where the car hit the tree."

Greear said it's possible that Rhoades passed out or fell asleep, "but the only way we'll tell is if Sabrina remembers anything."

Greear said no witnesses to the crash have come forward.

Those with information are asked to call Greear or troopers Glenn Bakken or Tom Keys at 772-6055.