Death linked to accident

The death of a Garfield woman Jan. 24 was linked to an accident which happened a week earlier on Highway 195 just south of Spokane, according to a report issued Feb. 1 by County Coroner Peter Martin. Michele J. Hertz, 41, died Jan. 24 from septic shock as the result of torn intestine sustained in the Jan. 17 accident. Martin’s report said Hertz was hospitalized in Spokane for four days after the accident and released in stable condition.

She later developed complications.

Hertz was injured Jan. 17 when the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer she was driving northbound at 4:45 p.m. went off Highway 195 near mile marker 89 about two miles south of Spokane. The Mountaineer came to a halt against a rock wall.

The accident has now been listed as a fatality by the Washington State Patrol.