Two alumni from Boise State’s radiologic sciences department were involved in a fatal head-on collision on Monday, Jan. 9, as a kidnapping suspect attempted to allude police in Ontario, Oregon. David Bates was killed and his wife, Jessica Bates, was critically injured. The couple are parents to five young children.
A gofundme account has been started for Jessica to assist with funeral costs and hospital fees. Boise State’s Department of Radiologic Sciences stands strong behind Jessica and values the opportunity to support her and her family during this difficult time.
This violent crash has sent waves of shock not only through the Bates family, but through the entire field of medical imaging. David was the imaging manager for Saint Alphonsus Ontario. He also served Boise State as the clinical preceptor for students in the diagnostic radiology program. He was described as a sensitive and generous man; he brought light into the room every time he entered. The impact of this loss is immeasurable.
The radiologic sciences department is grieving the loss of David, as are many medical imaging professionals in the Treasure Valley and eastern Oregon, and send their best to Jessica and the Bates family.