Services for Dakota Bateman scheduled for Saturday

A 25-year-old man who died in a car accident last week north of Palisades Reservoir has been identified as Dakota Bateman of Turnerville. The crash occurred on Thursday, September 21 on US26 just north of the Palisades Dam in Swan Valley. 

According to a statement from Idaho State Police, Bateman was traveling west near milepost 384 in a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox when he crossed into the eastbound lane, colliding with a 2005 Kenworth Boom truck driven by a 28-year-old Rexburg man. ISP said that Bateman was wearing his seatbelt, however he succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. The driver of the truck was also wearing a seatbelt and did not sustain any life threatening injuries. 

The road was closed for roughly five hours following the crash. ISP has not released any further information on the cause of the accident, only stating that it remains under investigation. They did ask that anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has any information to call (208) 528-3400. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral costs, with any excess going towards winterizing a home that Bateman was building for himself, sister and his mom. As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe has raised over $14,000. The fundraiser can be found by clicking here. 

“We lost a great man, Dakota Daniel Bateman, on Sept. 21st in a car accident on his way to the lumber store,” reads the fundraiser page. “No one could ask for a better son, brother or friend. He loved working out, building with his hands, was working on becoming a doctor and don’t forget about the dad jokes!”

A memorial service for Dakota will take place Saturday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m. in the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne. A visitation will take place prior to the service from 10-11 a.m.