Two University of Idaho students from Nampa presumed dead in river crash

Cayla Danenberg, 20, and Tiffany Maupin, 21, were driving toward Moscow around 7 p.m. Tuesday when their vehicle went off U.S. 95 into the Salmon River about 5 miles north of Riggins, near the Salmon River Canyon historic site.

Idaho County Sheriff’s Office deputies launched a search and rescue effort but couldn’t find them, according to dispatch, and it’s believed they drowned.

Robin Danenberg told KBOI-TV, Channel 2, that her daughter had plans to move back to the Treasure Valley and attend Boise State University. She was heading to Moscow with her best friend for two more weeks to grab all of her things.

She told KBOI that the two women have been friends for more than seven years, choosing the same college and becoming roommates.

“One can’t go without the other,” she said. “I mean, that’s just the way that they were.”

Danenberg said her daughter had dreams of becoming a writer. At the University of Idaho she majored in creative writing and had just become a senior. She worked at the Michaels store in Moscow, an associate confirmed.

Maupin left the university during the spring of 2014. She had majored in psychology, according to university spokeswoman Jodi Walker.

Maupin had worked at the Payless ShoeSource in Moscow since spring 2015 and was a warm, helpful person, said Kymberli Conger, a friend and co-worker.

“She was awesome. Super friendly. She was probably the first person I met here,” Conger said. “Super sweet. She was always willing to give a helping hand to others.”

Family members say they will be holding off on any memorials until both women’s bodies are found, KBOI reported.

The University of Idaho posted this statement on its Facebook page:

“The Vandal family is saddened by the passing of Cayla Danenberg and Tiffany Maupin, both who have been UI students, in a tragic car wreck. It is devastating to see Idaho’s young people taken just as they are getting started as adults. We offer our condolences to the families of Tiffany and Cayla and support all those affected by this tragic incident.”

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 6:59 AM with the headline "Two University of Idaho students from Nampa presumed dead in river crash."