Pedestrian on highway struck, killed near Kalispell

A 20-year-old Helena man died early Saturday after he was struck by a vehicle while walking on U.S. 2 near Kalispell.

A Ford F-150 driven by an 18-year-old Eureka woman and carrying three passengers, ages 16, 17 and 20, was westbound on U.S. 2 at 2:53 a.m. when the fatal collision occurred, according to a Montana Highway Patrol report.

The driver turned on the high beams, which illuminated a pedestrian in the traffic lane. There is no shoulder on that section of roadway, and the man was wearing all-dark clothing, the report stated.

The pickup struck the pedestrian with the front driver-side bumper, causing the man to roll into the oncoming lane of traffic.

The pickup stopped in the westbound lane to wait for emergency responders. The man died at the scene. No one in the pickup was injured.

Road conditions were dry and clear. Alcohol, drugs and speed are not suspected factors in the crash.