A Missoula man died in a traffic crash in Lake County early on New Year’s Day.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremy Lee, 63-year-old Michael Singer died at the scene of the crash, which occurred near Arlee on U.S. 93 at mile marker 20.

It was the first fatal traffic crash of 2020 in Montana, according to the Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred when a 23-year-old man from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, who was driving a GMC Sierra north on U.S. 93, drifted across the left lane, the lane divider and both southbound lanes and struck a Chevy Avalanche parked on the shoulder of the highway. Singer was in the parked vehicle.

It is unknown if alcohol, drugs or speed were factors in the crash.

Singer was wearing a seat belt, but it’s unknown if the 23-year-old man was wearing one. He was taken to Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula with unknown injuries.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or [email protected].