Updated version: March 6
Idaho State Police responded to a fatal car crash Saturday night on Nez Perce Drive near the University of Idaho Golf Course, according to a news release.
Police said Ricardo Lopez, 24, of Mountain Home, Idaho, driving a blue 2006 Ford Escape SUV, was traveling westbound on Nez Perce Drive toward Perimeter Drive when the crash occurred at approximately 11:18 p.m.
Lopez, who police said was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the SUV. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
He overcorrected after going off the right side of the road prior to the intersection of Rayburn Street, police said. He crossed both lanes and rolled to the left side of the road.
Lopez had studied at UI, working toward a degree in chemistry with a minor in Asian studies. He walked in fall 2018, but had one class left before finishing his degree, said Jodi Walker, UI spokesperson. He was not enrolled this semester.
Lopez worked in the soil chemistry lab in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, according to an email sent to faculty, staff and students. He planned to finish his degree in chemistry in fall 2019. He was also involved in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), according to the email.
Students affected by Lopez’s death are encouraged to contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 208-885-6716.
Kyle Pfannenstiel can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @pfannyyy
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article misstated the date of the accident and the age of Ricardo Lopez.