Local family loses unborn son after Bonner County crash

March 3, 2023

By Mike Weland

Shaylynn Richards, Bonners Ferry, was a few weeks shy of her due date February 28 when a pick up lost control on Highway 95 in front of North 40 in Ponderay, crossed the center line and hit her vehicle head on. Shay was rushed to Bonner General Hospital and Kayven Chase was brought into the world by an emergency C-section, but his injuries were too great, and he died later that morning.

Shay suffered serious injuries as well, but she and Kayven's father, Brayden Chase, were able to share time with him. Shay is expected to be released within a few days, and is expected to recover, but she and Brayden face a difficult time, as Brayden must take time off work to be with Shay even as they are faced with both medical and memorial expenses.

Hoping to ease the burden they face in the wake of their grief, their family ask the community's prayers and they've established a GoFundMe account to help them through this terrible time. Checks, payable to Shaylynn Richards, can also be mailed to Shaylynn, c/o 9B News, P.O. Box 1625, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.