Woman crashes into lake, dies

HAYDEN - A Hayden woman died late Thursday night when she reportedly drove past barrier signs at the Honeysuckle Beach boat launch and crashed into Hayden Lake.

Jennifer M. Gonzalez, 34, was recovered from her Toyota 4 Runner by rescue divers, according to a Kootenai County Sheriff's Department press release. Attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.

Alcohol may have been a factor in the incident, deputies said.

A nearby resident heard the crash about 9:55 p.m. and called 911, deputies said. Northern Lakes Fire Department and sheriff's department personnel arrived at the Honeysuckle ramp and found the SUV about 100 feet from shore, in approximately 10-15 feet of water.

An autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death, deputies said.

The Honeysuckle ramp has been the scene of numerous accidents in recent years. According to Press archives, two 22-year-old women died at the launch in April 2006 when their vehicle entered the lake; another man drowned in December 2005 after driving his van down the ramp.

Alcohol was a factor in both incidents.

Last week, two Coeur d'Alene teens accidentally drove off the Honeysuckle ramp. Neither was injured in the crash.