One dead, one injured after speeding truck crashes in between two trees

IDAHO FALLS – The identity of a local man who died after a truck crashed between two trees Sunday night has been released.

Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez identified the deceased passenger as 49-year-old Jason Mooney of Idaho Falls.

On Sunday, shortly after 5 p.m., the Idaho Falls & Bonneville County 911 Emergency Communications Center received a call from someone reporting a truck had just crashed into some trees on the U.S. Air Conditioning property at 425 West 13th Street, according to a news release from IFPD spokesperson Jessica Clements.

The caller reported there were two people inside the truck.

Officers arrived on the scene and found a 1983 Ford F250 wedged between two trees in the parking lot. Idaho Falls Fire and EMS also arrived and used specialty tools to remove the truck’s roof.

The two occupants were extricated from the vehicle and transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

The passenger of the vehicle, identified as Mooney, was declared deceased at the hospital Sunday evening, and the driver of the truck, who has not been identified, remains hospitalized as of Monday afternoon.

Through investigation, officers say the Ford was traveling north when it failed to navigate a turn and crashed into the trees. Neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt. Speed is considered a factor in the seriousness of the crash, but it remains under investigation.

“As we prepare to move into the summer months, the Idaho Falls Police Department urges motorists to make safe and responsible choices when driving. Obey speed limits and traffic control devices, which are in place for the safety of motorists and others in the area,” says the release. “Always wear seat belts, no matter how short the drive may be. Likewise, motorcyclists should always wear helmets. Helmets and seatbelts may save your life. As always, please do not drink and drive. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these crashes, especially loved ones of the man who died on Sunday evening.”