Man found dead in van sunk in Hayden Lake

A man was found dead Sunday morning inside a van submerged in 12 feet of water at Hayden Lake, deputies said.

Just after 10 a.m. deputies and firefighters were called to Honeysuckle Beach where they found a white, 1990 Ford Econoline van in the water.

East Honeysuckle Avenue in Hayden dead-ends into a boat ramp at the beach where the van was found.

Deputies believe the driver passed several signs and a flashing signal before driving down the ramp and into the lake, according to a news release from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities believe alcohol was a factor, according to the release. The name of the victim was not released Sunday.