Elmira, ID (January 2, 2025) – Authorities have arrested a 61-year-old man in connection with a tragic head-on collision on U.S. Highway 95 near Elmira, Idaho, that claimed the life of a 5-year-old girl and injured several family members in November. The suspect, Rick Gross of Moyie Springs, was taken into custody on Tuesday and faces multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter and aggravated reckless driving.
The crash occurred on the morning of November 22, when Gross, driving a Dodge Ram pickup, attempted to pass multiple vehicles. According to Idaho State Police, his vehicle collided head-on with a Ford Edge carrying 5-year-old Amelia Carollo, her mother Amanda, her brother Patrick, and a family friend. Amelia was fatally injured in the crash, while the other occupants of the Ford were hospitalized with injuries. Gross, who was the only person in the Dodge, was also taken to the hospital.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, collaborated to locate and arrest Gross. He was booked into the Bonner County Jail and also faces charges of methamphetamine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Carollo family was traveling to Canada for a hockey tournament when the crash occurred. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with medical expenses and funeral costs raised over $115,000, highlighting widespread community support. Local hockey teams, including the Spokane Braves and Spokane Junior Chiefs, organized fundraisers for the family in December.
Idaho State Police continue to investigate the crash and are appealing for additional information, including vehicle dash camera footage, business surveillance, and Ring doorbell video of traffic traveling south on Highway 95 between mileposts 505 and 489 from 6:45 to 8:35 a.m. on November 22.
“Our thoughts remain with the Carollo family and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” said U.S. Marshal Brent Bunn. “The arrest of Rick Gross marks a significant step toward justice, and we hope it provides some measure of closure for the grieving family.”
Head-On Collisions and Reckless Driving in Idaho
Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of crashes, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Reckless driving behaviors, such as improper passing, significantly increase the risk of these incidents, particularly on highways like U.S. 95, where high speeds and limited passing zones create hazardous conditions.
Idaho residents are urged to exercise caution and obey traffic laws to prevent tragedies like the one that claimed the life of young Amelia Carollo. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that head-on collisions account for a disproportionate number of roadway fatalities nationwide.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a serious crash, Local Accident Reports can connect you with resources to support your recovery and help you navigate the aftermath of the accident.