Rathdrum man dies after crashing into tree near Twin Lakes

A Rathdrum man died Sunday morning after his SUV left the roadway and crashed into a large tree near Twin Lakes, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

Responding deputies said the driver, James A. Chaney, 53, appeared to have crashed near the intersection of West Twin Lakes Road and North Lakeview Boulevard some time before they arrived just after 3:30 a.m., according to a news release. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An initial investigation that closed the intersection for several hours determined the vehicle left the roadway while rounding a curve and struck a large tree, according to a news release. No other vehicles were involved.

Deputies said in the news release that alcohol appeared to be a factor in the crash.