KOOSKIA — Two of the three motorcyclists killed in a crash Tuesday by a woman accused of an illegal pass on an Idaho highway have been identified as off-duty Colorado law enforcement officers, authorities said.
The Idaho County Coroner's Office on Wednesday evening identified the victims of the crash as Jeremy Coleman, 45, of Berthoud, Colorado; Ethan Powers, 35 of Timnath, Colorado; and Nathan McCormick, 26, of Loveland, Colorado. The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police said on social media that Coleman and Powers were a sergeant and deputy, respectively, in the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, and that McCormick was Coleman's son-in-law.
The Colorado FOP said the law enforcement officers were off duty at the time of the crash. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office said on social media that the three were vacationing together on a motorcycle trip.
"Sgt. Coleman and Deputy Powers dedicated their lives to protecting their community, and their impact will continue to be felt by those who had the privilege of serving alongside them," the Colorado FOP's post reads.
Neale Brewer, a 60-year-old woman from Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been arrested and charged with three counts of felony vehicular manslaughter, according to Idaho State Police, the Idaho County Jail and online court records. She is being held on a $1 million bond.
ISP stated that Brewer was driving a 2019 Ford F-150 westbound on U.S. Highway 12, near Kooskia, at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, when she allegedly attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone. The pickup crossed the double yellow center line and collided with three motorcycles traveling eastbound.
All three motorcyclists died at the scene.
Brewer was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and was arrested following her release.
"There are no good words in a situation like this," the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said on social media. "Put simply, these were incredible people who dedicated their lives to making Larimer County better every single day. They trained hard, they served well, and they loved life. As we walk the long and winding path of grief alongside their families, our resolve is stronger than ever."
Larimer County is located in northern Colorado and encompasses cities that include Fort Collins and Loveland.
Kooskia is a small town in north-central Idaho, located about 75 miles east of Lewiston.