“A tragic nightmare”: Devastating hunting accident claims life of young Blackfoot woman">“A tragic nightmare”: Devastating hunting accident claims life of young Blackfoot woman

“A tragic nightmare”: Devastating hunting accident claims life of young Blackfoot woman">

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)– A 21-year-old woman from Blackfoot, Kaylanee Orr, tragically died on October 10 following a fatal accident during a hunting trip with relatives.

According to the Fremont County Coroner, Orr died from a gunshot wound. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which occurred Friday evening in a remote area of Fremont County.

Fremont County Sheriff Bart Quayle described the situation as “the most tragic nightmare this family (or any family) can imagine.” In a statement sent to Local News 8, Quayle confirmed that emergency personnel and investigators responded swiftly and worked on the scene for several hours.

“Every indication leads us to believe this was a traumatic accident that has devastated this poor family,” Quayle said. “While we perform our due diligence, pursuing the truth and facts, we’re mindful of the extreme grief this family feels.”

He added, “If I can buy them a few days to simply process and grieve, I feel it is appropriate. Our deepest condolences are offered to those grieving at this time.”

Orr was a graduate of Snake River High School and served a mission in New Zealand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith was the foundation of her life, according to her online obituary.

In the wake of her passing, a Spotfund campaign organized by Amanda Graff has raised over $20,000 of its $30,000 goal to help cover funeral expenses.

As the investigation remains ongoing, authorities are asking for the public’s patience and understanding out of respect for the family’s mourning process.

EconoLodge standoff suspect postpones plea agreement">EconoLodge standoff suspect postpones plea agreement

EconoLodge standoff suspect postpones plea agreement">

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – An expected plea agreement in the case of Robert Flores has been postponed.

RELATED: What we know about the man involved in the Econo Lodge standoff

Robert Alan Flores Jr.

Flores is accused of shooting at Idaho Falls police officers during a standoff at the EconoLodge Motel on Broadway Avenue in Idaho Falls in April 2024. No officers were hit during the incident. They did return fire, injuring Flores.

He was expected to change his plea to guilty today; however. Flores has asked for more time to discuss the details of the plea agreement with his attorney. A status hearing has been scheduled for November 18.

If an agreement is not reached soon, the case could go to trial in the spring. A judge has placed it on his trial calendar for May 11, 2026.

Idaho Insurance Broker weighs in on potential health insurance premium spikes">Idaho Insurance Broker weighs in on potential health insurance premium spikes

Idaho Insurance Broker weighs in on potential health insurance premium spikes">

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —With the government shutdown approaching the two week mark, one of the biggest holdups in congress focuses on whether to extend the Biden-era tax credits for health insurance.

At the moment, the tax credits are set to expire. The average American who uses marketplace plans could see their insurance premiums more than double. 

Local News 8 spoke with several insurance brokers about what they’re seeing for their clients, including insurance broker Brian McKellar with the Buckner Company.

“No, there’s an individual, she cuts hair,” McKellar said. “I know her well; she doesn’t make a ton of money. I’m pretty sure she supports her kids, too. She was paying $82. Hers is going to go to $292 if I don’t make any changes.”

That’s just one of several examples McKellar has seen over the past few days. 

The reason for these increased costs is two fold. First, the amount of tax credits someone receives to help pay for insurance costs is cut dramatically. And second, those that make 400% or more over the poverty line no longer receive any tax credit at all. 

“Either way, it’s costs that’s going to increase on these families, whether it’s in terms of deductible costs like risk costs or just premium cost,” McKellar said.

At a time when costs for everything are going up faster than wages, many insurance brokers, including McKellar, think that if the tax credits are not extended, many people will simply take the risk and go without. 

“There’s 100,000 Idahoans that depend on this, and 30% is what they’re saying is going to probably drop coverage. Based on the analysis that I’m seeing right now, it could be true,” McKellar said. 

McKeller has been contacting Idaho’s congressmen about the issue and urging them to find a solution for several weeks now.

You can follow some of McKellar’s thoughts and discussions about his interactions with Idaho’s congressional delegation on his social media page.

Local Insurance brokers answers your questions about navigating health insurance">Local Insurance brokers answers your questions about navigating health insurance

Local Insurance brokers answers your questions about navigating health insurance">

With so many questions still remaining about health insurance premiums possibly spiking, Local News 8 invited insurance broker Trevor Bangerter to our studio.

Bangerter is the the local chapter president for National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, which is a national organization that advocates for broker and insurance consumer rights. 

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