For the week of September 24 - 30, 2003

Fourth accident victim in Carey crash dies

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

Kimberly G. Mitma, who had been the only survivor of a single-car accident north of Carey on Sept. 12, died on Thursday, Sept. 18, from a major head injury she sustained in the accident.

The Wood River High School sophomore and Bellevue resident was 17.

The accident also claimed three Carey teens: Shawn P. Barber, 14; Nicko E. Gabiola, 14; and Anthony L. Fiscus, 19.

Kimberly G. Mitma, 17 Courtesy photo

The accident occurred on Friday, Sept. 12, at approximately 11:45 p.m. just north of Carey on U.S. Highway 93. According to authorities, all four of the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seat belts.

According to a press release from Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling, an investigation at the accident scene showed that Mitma was driving north on U.S. 93 when she lost control of her 1999 Mercury Cougar two-door hatchback. The vehicle slid sideways across the southbound lane into a west side barrow ditch and into a large culvert.

No mechanical difficulty or tire problems were apparent, said Gene Ramsey, Blaine County Chief Deputy Sheriff.

Mitma is survived by her parents, Jorge Mitma and Lisa Placek; her 15-month-old daughter, Alejandra Samano; and many extended family members.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept. 22, at the Hailey LDS Church. Interment followed in the Bellevue Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Kimberly Mitma Fund at any First Bank of Idaho location.

(An obituary appears on page A20 of the printed Idaho Mountain Express.)

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