Authorities have released the names of the two men who died in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 near Fort Hall earlier this week. The Bannock County Coroner, Torey Danner, identified the victims as 42-year-old Manuel Rodriguez-Baltazar and 44-year-old Raul Navarrete, both residents of Rupert.
According to the Idaho State Police (ISP), the crash occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at approximately 8:05 a.m. Rodriguez-Baltazar and Navarrete were traveling northbound in a Ford F450 pickup when it collided with a Peterbilt semi-truck. The force of the collision caused the pickup to overturn and leave the roadway. Neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The ISP continues to investigate the circumstances and cause of the crash, which have not yet been released.
“My condolences go out to Manuel and Raul’s families and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved ones,” said Coroner Torey Danner.
In loving memory of Manuel Rodriguez-Baltazar and Raul Navarrete — two lives tragically lost in a roadway accident. Their families, friends, and the Rupert community are mourning their untimely passing.
