Falling tree crushes SUV, two Orofino residents killed

This was the scene on U.S. 12 near Orofino Thursday night, when a tree toppled off the hillside, crushing an SUV and killing two Orofino residents. (Courtesy: windowontheclearwater.com)

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Story Published: Apr 10, 2009 at 6:35 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 10, 2009 at 6:35 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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OROFINO - Two Orofino resident died Thursday night when a tree toppled onto their SUV on U.S. 12.

It happened at about 7:30 just past mile post 37.

Idaho State Police said 33-year-old Lee Grant and 25-year old Jessica Hosley were westbound in a Toyota 4-Runner when the 90-100' tree fell over, crushing the cab of the vehicle. ISP said Grant was driving.

The deceased were taken to Pine Hills Funeral Home in Orofino.

The Idaho Transportation Department closed the highway for two hours following the fatal crash.

On Friday ITD crews continued cleanup of the tree and the mudslide it caused. One worker said the tree appeared to have uprooted itself just before it came across the highway. It was cut and moved Thursday night.

One lane of traffic was open Friday while workers used a front-end loader to clean the road and divert running water and mud off the roadway.

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