Firefighter dies in parking lot accident near Bigfork
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months AGO
South Kalispell Fire Department firefighter Ben Brown. (South Kalispell Fire photo)
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | January 20, 2026 11:00 AM
South Kalispell firefighter Ben Brown, 25, died Jan. 18 in an accident involving his own vehicle at Echo Lake Cafe near Bigfork, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
Brown was trying to stop his vehicle from rolling forward in the parking lot when he was pinned between his car door and a pole, according to Sheriff Brian Heino.
Originally from Bigfork, Brown was a firefighter at South Kalispell Fire Department and a team member with Brash Rodeo. The organization, which hosts weekly rodeos in Kalispell, said Brown was a ranch hand and rodeo crew boss.
“He was a young man with so much ahead of him, and his passing has left a void that cannot be filled. This loss is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed by our rodeo family and the entire rodeo community,” the organization posted online.
South Kalispell Fire Department also posted about Brown’s death, just two days after announcing the death of its former Fire Marshal Jim “Homey” Holm on Jan. 16.
Somers and Lakeside Fire Department shared condolences with South Kalispell Fire in an online post, which said that Brown “was one of kind and was always there to lend a hand when needed.”
“Ben was a great asset to work with on our mutual aid incidents. There wasn’t a task that Ben wouldn’t jump in and lend a helping hand. His smile was always a mile wide, and his caring personality was one in a million. He will greatly be missed,” the post stated.
Reporter Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].
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