Driver killed in crash on slippery U.S. 2

A snowy Thursday in Spokane led to more than 40 collisions by early morning, including a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 2.

Sharon Deppner, 74, was killed when she lost control of her car while driving eastbound on the highway just after 8:40 a.m. near Deep Creek, west of Airway Heights.

Her car crossed into the westbound lanes of traffic, striking a semitruck that went off the road. She then traveled back into the eastbound lanes, hitting a second car.

The truck’s driver was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center with minor injuries and the driver and passenger in the car Deppner struck were uninjured.

Investigators said the collision was caused by drivers going too fast for the road conditions.

The investigation closed the highway in both directions for several hours.

In north Spokane a 10-year-old boy was injured after being hit by a car while crossing Mission Avenue between Cook and Regal streets.

Police spokeswoman Officer Teresa Fuller said his injuries were initially believed to be life-threatening, but he is now expected to make a full recovery.

The driver who hit him was cited for failure to yield at a crosswalk and driving too fast for conditions.