By Eric Valentine
An otherwise routine delivery of livestock turned tragic early last week in the south Valley. On Monday, Dec. 9, at approximately 12:40 p.m., Blaine County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a cattle truck crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Gannett Road in southern Blaine County.
The driver and sole occupant of a red 2002 Kenworth semi-truck tractor with a TSI livestock trailer was Juan C. Deleon Alvarado, age 31, of Idaho Falls. The crash scene investigation determined that Deleon Alvarado was traveling south on Gannett Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with U.S. Highway 20. The vehicle skidded through the turn until the trailer lost contact with the pavement and tipped over.
Deleon Alvarado was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.
Fifteen cattle died as a result of the crash and two additional cows were euthanized later due to injuries sustained in the crash.
The value of the lost cattle is estimated to be $15,000. Deleon Alvarado was cited for Reckless Driving and the vehicle sustained serious damage.