A University of Idaho student is confirmed dead after injuries from a head-on collision which occurred about 15 miles north of New Meadows on Friday night, as originally reported by the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
The two-vehicle crash happened around 7:20 p.m., according to an Idaho State Police press release. Adam Seo, 20, was driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla south on U.S. 95 when his vehicle collided head-on with a 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Melissa Kirkland, 42, a Moscow High School teacher and Deary resident, according to the release.
“Adam was quiet and dedicated, and always eager to grow and learn. He was the most kind and caring person who looked out for all of his wingmen more than anyone I know,” said a fellow Air Force ROTC cadet in a email sent by Dean of Students Blaine Eckles.
Witnesses say Seo crossed the center double-yellow line into the northbound lane where he collided with Kirkland, according to the release. Both drivers were wearing seat belts. Both drivers were transported to St. Luke’s McCall Medical Center, according to the release.
Kirkland was released from the hospital Saturday, according to the Daily News.
Seo was a senior majoring in chemistry and was an active member in the Air Force ROTC program, according to the email.
The Air Force ROTC program will host a candlelight vigil for Seo at 6 a.m. Oct. 8 at Shoup Hall and will be followed by a processional ending at Memorial Gym, according to the email.
UI community members impacted by the loss are encouraged to contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 208-885-6716.
Idaho State Police will continue to investigate the crash.
This article has been updated to include more information on Seo and his vigil.
Ellen Dennis can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu