Fatal Crash Prompts Cancellations Nez Perce Cultural Day Called Off; Lapwai Sporting Events Postponed

The death of four people in a North Idaho highway accident just south of Kooskia has forced the cancellation of a tribal celebration and two high school sporting events.

The Nez Perce Cultural Day planned for Saturday morning at the Nez Perce National Historical Park has not been rescheduled, said Marie Marek, Spalding Visitor Center manager. Lapwai High School football and volleyball games also were postponed.

The one-vehicle accident happened Wednesday along state Highway 13 about 10:30 p.m.

Idaho State Police and Idaho County authorities said a truck driven by Albert Johnson, 19, swerved off the highway, went down a small embankment and crashed head-on into a tree.

Johnson was killed as were Tony Picard, 25; Quanah Picard, 16; and Aston Picard, 6. All are from the Lapwai area.

The only survivor was Kristopher Picard, 17, who was riding with Johnson in the vehicle’s cab. The other passengers were in the truck’s bed.

Kristopher Picard was taken to Lewiston’s St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition Thursday.

The accident occurred near the small town of Stites, just south of Kooskia. Investigating officers said they did not know why Johnson’s vehicle swerved off the highway.

Organizers of the Nez Perce Cultural Day decided to postpone the event because a funeral service for Quanah Picard will be held Saturday morning, Marek said. Services are planned Monday for the other three victim, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe said.

The football team was to open its season against St. Maries High School. The volleyball team had planned to play in a weekend jamboree in Orofino.