Former Idaho Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth died today in a Nevada car accident.

A fatal accident near her Nevada ranch this afternoon took the life of the longtime Idaho politician.

Helen Chenoweth-Hage was the passenger, her 24-year old daughter-in-law, Yelenda Hage the driver.

Sitting on Chenoweth-Hage's lap was her five-month old grandson Bryan.

Nevada Highway Patrol says the family was headed to Tonopah.  That's the small Nevada town 63 miles from the family's Pine Creek Ranch.  Chenoweth-Hage and her family had already made 51-miles of the trip.

Highway patrol believes the cause was inattentive driving.  Its believed Yelenda drifted off the highway, but over corrected, causing the Ford Expedition to flip. Chenoweth-Hage and her grandson were ejected from the s-u-v.  She and the baby were not wearing seatbelts.

The baby was flown to a Reno hospital but only suffered scratches and bruises.  Yelenda was also taken to the hospital but is doing well.  Chenoweth-Hage died at the scene.

A statement by Chenoweth-Hage’s daughter read,

"Helen was the most amazing, gracious person I ever had the privilege to know.  She was fearless in life, and i know she welcomes the opportunity to be in the presence of God the Father."

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