Passenger dies in Fernan Lake accident

At about 4:30 this morning, patrol deputies from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to Fernan Lake Road. just east of Fernan Lake Village for a possible drowning. When deputies arrived, they located a 1997 Ford Ranger that had apparently driven off the road and down the embankment of Fernan Lake Road. and came to rest just above the water line. The vehicle did not enter the water, however the initial information reported was that the passenger had been located in the water and pulled from the water by the driver and another subject who had responded to the location.  Medical aid was rendered and the passenger was transported via ambulance to Kootenai Health where he was later pronounced dead.  Alcohol appears to be a contributing factor in the incident and the investigation is still underway to determine how the passenger ended up in the water.  The names of the occupants are not being released at this time pending further investigation/ Sgt Kevin Smart , KCSO.