Rathdrum teen killed in Highway 53 collision

A 16-year-old Rathdrum girl died Friday in a car crash on Highway 53. Four others were injured.

Idaho State Police said Kerriann Wright was driving a 1991 Chevy Blazer westbound when it crossed the centerline just after 7 a.m., crashing head-on into a 1995 Dodge pickup driven by 60-year-old Agnes V. Banks, also of Rathdrum.

Wright, a Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy student, died at the scene. Banks was taken to Kootenai Medical Center.

Also transported to KMC were Wright’s father, 35-year-old Jesse L. Wright, and brothers, 12-year-old Nicholas Wright and 13-year-old Nathan Wright.

Nathan and Nicholas Wright were stabilized at KMC and then transferred to a Spokane hospital, said KMC spokeswoman Karen Pearl.

Jesse Wright was in critical condition Friday and Banks was reported in fair condition.

According to the ISP, the investigation into the crash continues and authorities are unsure why Wright’s vehicle crossed the centerline. Both drivers and Wright’s passengers were wearing seat belts, ISP said.

Kerriann Wright had attended Lakeland schools but was most recently enrolled at the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, said Lakeland Assistant Superintendent Ron Schmidt.

Schmidt said Wright was “well-liked” and came from a large family. Her siblings attend Lakeland Junior High and Garwood Elementary, Schmidt said.

School counselors and psychologists were made available at both schools Friday to help grieving students, Schmidt said.