Weippe man dies in vehicle accident on US 12

A Weippe man died in a log truck accident Wednesday about 1:20 p.m. on U.S. Highway 12 at mile post 24, four miles east of Cherry Lane Bridge, according to Idaho State Police.

William R. Jared, of Weippe, was driving a 1995 Kenworth logging truck eastbound on US 12. Jared drove off the right shoulder, came back onto the road, and crossed the center line and the west lanes. The vehicle continued off the left shoulder, down an embankment and came to rest near the edge of the Clearwater River. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. His seatbelt was not in use, according to ISP.

The trailer was recovered from the scene and the tractor will be recovered tomorrow morning. The roadway was shut down periodically through the investigation. Next of kin have been notified, ISP said.

The investigation is continuing.