Lena Marie Phelps dies in fatal Pocatello car crash

Lena Marie Phelps dies in fatal Pocatello car crash

Fatal Pocatello car crash death of Lena Marie Phelps – Obituary

Lena Marie Phelps, a 29-year-old woman from Pocatello, died Saturday evening after a high-speed drunk driving crash in downtown Pocatello, according to police and court records.

Authorities say the collision occurred around 7 p.m. when a 2022 Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven by 25-year-old Chubbuck resident Guy Garry Guerrero, was traveling south on North Arthur Avenue at an extremely high rate of speed. Investigators allege Guerrero ran a red light at West Clark Street and slammed into Phelps’ 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser as she proceeded through the intersection on a green light.

Phelps suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Portneuf Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m. A 30-year-old passenger riding with her sustained serious injuries, including a broken jaw, and was hospitalized for treatment.

Police reported that Guerrero showed signs of intoxication at the scene, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. He refused to perform field sobriety tests or provide a breath sample, prompting officers to obtain a warrant for a blood draw. Traffic camera footage and witness accounts indicated Guerrero’s pickup was traveling at roughly 100 mph moments before the crash.

The impact caused Phelps’ vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest in a nearby parking lot, while Guerrero’s truck continued forward and struck a city light pole and electronic sign. Guerrero and his passenger suffered minor injuries and were taken into custody.

Guerrero has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and aggravated driving under the influence, charges that each carry a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison. He remains held at the Bannock County Jail on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 7 for a preliminary hearing. Police said the investigation into the crash is ongoing and expressed condolences to Phelps’ family and loved ones.