ISP: Deputy killed in crash wasn't wearing seatbelt

Summary

ISP says 35-year old Deputy Monte Matthews was on routine patrol when his patrol vehicle was struck by a minivan. Matthews died at the scene.

Story Created: Jul 7, 2009 at 4:38 AM MST

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2009 at 3:11 PM MST

ISP: Deputy killed in crash wasn't wearing seatbelt

Monte Williams

McCALL – An Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed after a two-vehicle crash on Monday afternoon.

Idaho State Police say the crash happened on Highway 95 near Tamarack, which is south of New Meadows, at around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

ISP says 35-year old Deputy Monte Matthews was on routine patrol when his patrol vehicle was struck by a minivan driven by Capt. Mark Zampogna of the 366th Operations Support Squadron out of Mountain Home.

Matthews, who had worked with the Adams County Sheriff's office for five years, died at the scene. The Idaho Transportation Department says the posted speed limit in both directions was 45 miles per hour.

Officials say Zampogna, 39, and three others inside were injured and taken to area hospitals. Zampogna is currently in critical condition at St. Alphonsus.

ISP said Tuesday that Matthews was not wearing a seatbelt while Zampogna and his passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. There are no indications of alcohol or drugs involvement at this time.

Idaho State Police says the two vehicles hit head on. From positions of the vehicles after the crash, ISP says it appears the minivan had crossed the center line. The minivan was also pulling a trailer.

The crash is still under investigation.

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