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Whitefish woman dies in three-car crash near Olney

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 9 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
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. | September 21, 2020 1:45 PM

Law enforcement on Monday released the name of a 20-year-old Whitefish woman who died in a three-vehicle crash northwest of Whitefish Friday in which three other people were injured.

The Montana Highway Patrol responded to the scene at 7 p.m. Friday, where Brittany Roth was pronounced dead. She was wearing her seat belt.

According to the Highway Patrol, Roth was driving a 2018 Hyundai Accent and failed to yield to traffic while turning onto U.S. 93 from Farm to Market Road.

A 23-year-old Columbia Falls man was driving a 2019 Ford F-150 southbound when it struck the Hyundai T-bone-style, spun out of control and hit a northbound 2004 Chevy Silverado with a travel trailer, before coming to a rest in a ditch.

During the crash, the Hyundai was forced off the road where it came to a rest.

The 23-year-old and his passenger, a 24-year-old Columbia Falls man, were injured. Both were wearing seat belts.

The driver of the Chevy, a 42-year-old man, was not injured and was wearing his seat belt. His passenger, a 43-year-old woman was injured and was not wearing a seatbelt. Both are from Columbia Falls.

Alcohol is suspected to be a factor. Road conditions were clear and dry.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected]

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