Yellowstone Deadly Crash: Driver with Blood Alcohol Level Twice the Legal Limit at Fault, Police Report
Driver in deadly Yellowstone crash had blood alcohol level twice the legal limit, police confirm.
A tragic collision earlier this month near Yellowstone National Park claimed the lives of seven people after a pickup truck, driven by 25-year-old Isaiah Moreno of Humble, Texas, crashed into a tour van on U.S. Highway 20 in eastern Idaho. Authorities revealed on Friday that Moreno’s blood alcohol level was measured at .20%, which is more than twice the legal limit for driving in Idaho. The official limit stands at .08%.
The deadly incident occurred when Moreno’s Dodge Ram crossed the center line, slamming head-on into a Mercedes tour van carrying over a dozen international and domestic tourists. Both vehicles erupted in flames upon impact, resulting in the deaths of Moreno and six people from China, Italy, and California. Several survivors sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The crash took place near Henrys Lake, approximately 16 miles west of Yellowstone’s western boundary. This area is a heavily traveled corridor for visitors headed to Yellowstone, which remains one of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions annually.
According to Idaho State Police, “This tragedy should be a wake-up call,” said police Capt. Chris Weadick. “No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences.” The authorities emphasized the severity of impaired driving and the devastating aftermath such decisions can cause.
Footage from the May 1 crash shows the chaotic aftermath, with the red Dodge Ram and the tour van both engulfed in flames. Roadside scenes depicted survivors receiving urgent medical attention while awaiting evacuation by helicopter. Witnesses described the wait for emergency responders as “unnervingly long” due to the remote location of the accident site.
The highway where the accident happened serves as a seasonal gateway for travelers heading between Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, particularly active in spring before the region is fully accessible in summer. Idaho State Police troopers responded to the collision at milepost 399 near this key tourist route.
The victims riding in the tour van were identified as Yu Zhang, 30, of Eastvale, California; Ivana Wen, 28, of Milan, Italy; Jianping Li, 71, of Guangxi, China; Xiaoming Jiang, 66, of Guilin, China; Li Nie, 64, and Aifeng Wan, 53, both of Arcadia, California. The loss sent shockwaves through their families and communities, as well as among those in the travel and tourism industry.
This fatal crash once again spotlights the dangers of impaired driving, especially on rural highways frequented by tourists and families. Authorities are urging drivers to make responsible choices and help prevent future tragedies on America’s roads.
