Driver reportedly flees fatal crash near Somers

The driver in a fatal crash near Somers on Saturday allegedly fled the scene hours before authorities were notified.

The sole passenger, a 34-year-old Bozeman man, died in the crash on Buffalo Trail at 12:30 a.m., according to a Montana Highway Patrol crash report issued Monday. The Flathead County Sheriff's Office later identified the deceased man as Tannon Hillis. 

Alcohol, drugs and speed were suspected factors in the crash, according to the Highway Patrol report. The driver’s age, gender and city of residence were not listed on the report.

The Chevy Silverado was northbound on Buffalo Trail when it left the roadway on a curve, according to the report. The pickup went off an embankment and rolled onto the passenger side. The right side of the vehicle hit some trees, causing it to rotate. The truck then hit a tree on the passenger side before stopping on its tires.

Authorities said the crash happened several hours before it was reported. A media release from the Sheriff's Office said first-responders were dispatched to the scene at 9:55 a.m. The passenger died at the scene and the driver had fled, the Highway Patrol report stated.

The Sheriff's Office said Hillis' body was sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy and that the death remains under investigation.

Road conditions were listed as dry at the time of the crash.