Candi S. Santonicito Injured in Highway 395 Collision Near Chewelah, Washington on January 28, 2026 Amid Icy Road Conditions

On the morning of January 28, 2026, a two-vehicle collision south of Chewelah left Candi S. Santonicito, 40, of Deer Park, injured after a head-on crash on Highway 395. According to the Washington State Patrol, icy roadway conditions and speeds unsuitable for those conditions were identified as contributing factors in the incident. The collision occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m., nine miles south of Chewelah near the intersection with Jump Off Joe Road.

Investigators reported that a southbound 2005 Chevrolet Colorado driven by Shantel M. Gerow, 48, of Chattaroy, slid into the northbound lane before striking Santonicito’s 2014 Acura RDX head-on. Both drivers sustained injuries and were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that seatbelts were in use at the time of the crash. The accident was one of two serious collisions reported that morning along the Highway 395 corridor, including a fatal crash near Loon Lake and involving individuals transported to Mt. Carmel Hospital in Colville.