New Jersey man killed in late-night rollover

The Daily Inter Lake

A New Jersey man was killed late Wednesday after his car rolled over on LaBrant Road north of Bigfork.

Lewis Hazell, 82, was pronounced dead on the scene, according to Flathead County Sheriff's Sgt. and deputy coroner Jim Browder.

Hazell was eastbound on LaBrant Road in a Lincoln Town Car about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday when he tried to navigate a right-hand turn, veered too far over on a weak right shoulder, and rolled down an embankment, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Rick Mehring said.

The car landed on its top, partly crushing the roof, according to first responders.

Hazell, who had only recently arrived and was not familiar with the area, appears to have been heading to a nearby cabin, Mehring said.

Neither alcohol nor excessive speed are believed to have been factors in the crash. Hazell was not wearing a seat belt.

Nine people have been killed so far this year on Flathead County highways. Twenty-five people died in Flathead County crashes in 2008.