Alcohol and speed suspected in fatal Columbia Falls crash
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 10 months AGO
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | December 19, 2020 6:00 PM
A 38-year-old Flathead County man died after his truck hit a tree on Friday night.
According to Montana Highway Patrol, the man was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound on Tavern Lane in Columbia Falls. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Laramie Stefani said the man was speeding in a 35 mph zone and was not wearing his seat belt. As the truck approached the intersection of Tavern Lane and Mooring Road, the driver failed to negotiate the turn and the vehicle went into a sideways skid. The truck went off Mooring Road and hit a large tree.
Troopers arrived at the scene at 9:08 p.m. and the man was pronounced dead.
Road conditions were bare and dry. Alcohol, drugs and speed are suspected factors in the crash, according to troopers.
The name of the man has not been released.
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