Mother and Daughter Hospitalized Following Highway Crash on U.S. 95 in Idaho
A harrowing accident in Bonner County, Idaho, has left 14-year-old Claire Baugh in critical condition following a head-on collision Wednesday evening on U.S. Highway 95 near milepost 447. Claire, along with her mother, Deanna Baugh, 37, of Cocolalla, were en route northbound when their vehicle was struck by a Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 78-year-old woman from Coeur d’Alene. Idaho State Police report that the driver of the Hyundai had crossed the median into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on impact with the Baugh family’s Toyota Avalon around 6:35 p.m.
Emergency response was swift yet underscored by the severity of the situation. Claire was airlifted first to a local hospital and then transferred to Children’s Hospital in Seattle, where she remains in critical condition. Her mother, who sustained serious injuries including a badly fractured leg, was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment. The driver of the Hyundai was also taken to a hospital, though her specific injuries were not disclosed.
The accident, which blocked the busy U.S. 95 for nearly three hours, has deeply affected the local community. Friends of the Baugh family quickly organized a GoFundMe campaign to support the family through what is expected to be a long and costly recovery. “This tragedy is going to put them in tremendous financial burden,” wrote Robyn Whipple, a close friend and campaign organizer. “Along with medical expenses, they are facing travel costs for trips to and from the hospital in Seattle, where Claire may remain for weeks or even months as she undergoes treatment and possible future surgeries.”
Since the campaign was launched, it has gained traction and support from the community and beyond, quickly surpassing its initial goal of $15,000 and raising over $23,000 by Thursday evening. The goal was subsequently adjusted to $40,000 to account for the ongoing and escalating costs of care, transportation, and support for the family’s extended recovery period. “Please help them as you feel led,” Whipple urged on the campaign’s page, “as any and all contributions will be a tremendous blessing to them.”
The Baugh family, well-known in the area through Southside Community Church, where Joseph Baugh, Deanna’s husband, serves as a pastor, has three other daughters at home who are also facing the emotional toll of their mother’s and sister’s injuries.
According to Idaho State Police, all occupants involved in the collision were wearing seatbelts, which likely prevented even more severe injuries. However, despite this precaution, the force of the impact left devastating injuries. Investigators are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the collision, though no specific details regarding possible causes of the Coeur d’Alene driver’s veering into the northbound lanes have been released.
The tragedy has stirred a wave of support within Bonner County, where friends and community members are rallying to provide both emotional and financial assistance to the family. The fundraising page for the Baugh family underscores the gravity of their situation and the prolonged recovery expected for both Claire and Deanna. Medical experts at Children’s Hospital in Seattle are focusing on stabilizing Claire’s condition and preparing for possible interventions in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Deanna’s road to recovery is expected to involve multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation due to her severe injuries.
The GoFundMe campaign for the Baugh family can be found at [bit.ly/4fj9ikQ] where contributors are invited to support the family in any way they can.
