Idaho snowplow driver dies after getting pulled into blades

BOISE – Authorities say a rotary snowplow operator with the Idaho Transportation Department has died after getting pulled into the machine’s blades.

Officials say 62-year-old Byran Bidegain died Tuesday morning on State Highway 21 at the Mores Creek Summit.

Boise County Deputy Coroner Mike Johnson told KIVI-TV that the death has been ruled an accident.

Johnson says it appears Bidegain was trying to unclog snow from the plow when he was pulled into the rotor blades.

The Boise County Sheriff’s Office says snowmobilers discovered Bidegain’s body in the area that has no cellphone coverage and rode 20 miles to Idaho City to alert authorities.

The Idaho Transportation Department says Bidegain was a road maintenance worker who had been with the agency for about five years.

Officials are continuing to investigate.