Thursday, August 14, 2008

08-14-08 -- Eagle horseman killed in motorcycle crash

BY DAVID KENNARD - dkennard@idahostatesman.com

A well-known member of the equestrian community died Wednesday when a car hit his motorcycle head-on on Idaho 44 west of Eagle.

Jared Higginson, 53, of Eagle was a manager of Flynn's Saddle Shop on State Street in Boise for many years.

Family friend Lynn Hightower said Jared was known as a dedicated husband and father of four, ages 5, 7, 11 and 17.

"This is just a shock to anyone who knew him," Hightower said. "He was absolutely a dedicated father who tried to be a huge part of his children's life."

Hightower normally talks to the news media in her role as the Boise Police Department's spokeswoman. But on Wednesday, she spoke for herself and others who knew Higginson well.

Higginson was an active part of the Chickasaw Choctaw 4-H Club, of which his 11-year-old daughter was a member. Club members begin competition at the Western Idaho Fair Thursday, Aug. 14.

"This is tough," said Hightower, who also has a daughter in the club. "But you know, I think they are just going to pull it together and support the family as they show throughout the fair."

Higginson was well regarded as the authority on Western tack and reining in the Valley.

"There are a lot of horses around here that are a lot better off because horse owners trusted him," Hightower said.

Higginson, a lifelong resident of Eagle, also was active in his LDS ward, Hightower said.

According to the Ada County sheriff's office, Higginson, who was wearing a helmet, was on his way to work when the driver of a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass veered from a westbound lane across three lanes of traffic into the path of Higginson's 1990 Triumph.

Investigators don't yet know what caused the driver to cross into oncoming traffic.

The driver of the car was taken to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

No charges have been filed, and officials said the name of the driver, a Garden City man believed to be in his 60s, will be released only if charges are filed.

David Kennard: 377-6436

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