The Canyon County community is mourning the loss of a young woman from Homedale who tragically died in a multi-vehicle collision on Friday evening. Gabriela Gonzalez, 20, was a passenger in a car involved in the crash, which authorities describe as a serious and unusual roadway incident.
According to the Canyon County Coroner, Gonzalez died as a result of injuries sustained during the collision. The crash occurred around 8 p.m. on eastbound Interstate 84, near milepost 32. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene but were unable to save Gonzalez. Family, friends, and the broader community have expressed deep sorrow over her loss.
Idaho State Police reports indicate that the incident began when a silver 2003 Ford F-350, driven by a 37-year-old man from Nampa, fled the scene of an earlier crash. The pickup truck entered the eastbound lanes traveling westbound, creating an extremely dangerous situation. While traveling the wrong way, the truck first sideswiped a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck driven by a 61-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida.
The truck then collided head-on with a silver 2013 Hyundai Elantra, which was being driven by a 23-year-old man from Ontario, Oregon. Gabriela Gonzalez was a passenger in the Hyundai at the time. The collision involved four vehicles in total, resulting in severe damage and prompting a major emergency response along the highway.
Authorities emphasize that the crash is under active investigation. Idaho State Police, in coordination with Canyon County officials, continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine all contributing factors. While the investigation is ongoing, police encourage anyone with information about the crash to come forward to aid in understanding how this tragic event occurred.
The community has been deeply impacted by Gonzalez’s death. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have shared messages of grief and support for her family, remembering her as a young woman with many connections and a bright future. Many have highlighted the sudden and heartbreaking nature of the accident, noting the shock and sadness felt by everyone who knew her.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers of highway travel, particularly when vehicles are operating in unsafe or unexpected ways. Officials continue to stress the importance of careful driving, alertness, and adherence to traffic laws to help prevent collisions and protect lives on the road.
In addition to the personal loss, the crash created significant traffic disruptions as emergency responders worked to secure the scene and investigate. One eastbound lane was blocked for an extended period while crews assisted those involved and conducted an initial review.
As Idaho State Police continue their investigation, the focus remains on understanding all aspects of the crash and supporting the families affected. The community has come together to offer condolences and comfort, emphasizing the importance of unity and compassion during this difficult time. Updates will be provided as authorities release more information about the ongoing investigation.
