Hayden woman dies in accident

HAYDEN — A 34-year-old Hayden woman died Thursday night after an accident at the Honeysuckle boat launch on Hayden Lake.

It appears that alcohol may have been a contributing factor to the accident involving Jennifer M. Gonzalez, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

The preliminary investigation indicates that at 9:55 p.m. Gonzalez drove her SUV past several barrier signs at the boat launch and into the lake.

A nearby resident heard the crash and called 911. Members of the Northern Lakes Fire District and sheriff's department responded to the scene and found the SUV about 100 feet from shore in 10 to 15 feet of water.

The KCSD dive team responded and recovered Gonzalez from the vehicle. Medical personnel attempted to revive her.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.