Speed, alcohol blamed in fatal boat crash

PRIEST RIVER — Speed and alcohol are to blame for a fatal boat crash in late June on the Pend Oreille River, according to Bonner County Sheriff's officials.

Four people were killed in the June 28 accident: Gregory J. Daiker, 59, of Laclede; Aaron J. Faulhaber, 49, of Laclede; Jason L. Maxson, 51, of Laclede; and John R. Schulte, 59, of Sandpoint.

An extensive investigation concluded that the June 28 boat accident on the Pend Oreille River near Thama was caused by excessive speed, complicated by gusty winds reported in the area at the time, BCSO officials said in a press release.

"Evidence indicates the boat was traveling about 100 mph at the time of the accident," according to BCSO officials.

Furthermore, the sheriff's office determined alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident. Officials said Daiker, the vessel’s owner, had a blood alcohol content of 0.228, well over the legal limit of 0.08, as well as small levels of Diazepam, in his system at the time of the crash.

The investigation also found the boat lacked enough life jackets for the number of people on board the vessel as required by law.

The four were killed after the boat they were in capsized on the Pend Oreille River near Thama on June 28. The Thama area is about 2 miles from Priest River and about 16 miles from Sandpoint.

Daiker's body was recovered on Tuesday, June 28, shortly after the accident was reported. Faulhaber's body was located two days later on Thursday and the bodies of Maxson and Schulte were recovered on Friday, July 1.

Their bodies were located, and recovered, in close proximity to the accident scene at depths of approximately 60 feet.

BCSO officials said their thoughts are with the friends and loved ones of those who died in the crash.

"The Bonner County Sheriff's Office continues to offer condolences to the family and friends of the four men and would like to thank our amazing community for their support of the families in these trying times," Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said in the press release.

While the county is fortunate to have beautiful waterways for residents and visitors to enjoy, Wheeler said those who venture onto the water must also do so responsibly. That means, he said in the release, as obeying all federal, state and county codes — such as speed limits, wake zones, etc. — and carry all required safety equipment

"[They also must] avoid substances such as alcohol, prescription medication, illegal drugs, or any combination thereof, which could impair the operator’s judgment," he said.