Long time local resident dies in collision with train
May 16, 2011
Bonners Ferry resident Dick Kelson died on a private railroad crossing leading from his tree farm onto Deep Creek Loop just north of Mirror Lake Golf Course this morning.
Long-time Bonners Ferry resident Richard E. "Dick" Kelson, 77, was pronounced dead at the scene Monday morning after his 2002 Volkswagen Jetta was hit by an east bound Burlington Northern Sante Fe train at a private railroad crossing near Mirror Lake Golf Course.

According to the Idaho State Police, Kelson was pulling out of his tree farm onto Deep Creek Loop when the collision occurred at about 8:54 a.m. The Jetta was hit broadside on the passenger side of the vehicle, knocking it approximately 100-feet from the point of impact. The train, powered by three locomotives and bound for Montana, was traveling at or near its 40-miles-per-hour speed limit through that area.

In the wake of posting news of the accident on the News Bonners Ferry Facebook site, the outpouring of grief was immediate.

"Prayers to the family," wrote Glory Rossbacher. "Please help all of us know what the family will need so our community can come along side and support them."

"This is beyond sad," wrote Bill Suldovsky. "Dick was a great person, and I have the privilege of knowing his girls, who are all wonderful people. He will be missed."

Investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing. News Bonners Ferry expresses condolences to Mr. Kelson's family and friends, and mourns the passing of a well-respected citizen of this community.