Two die in early-morning vehicle accident

A 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman died early Sunday morning after a single-vehicle accident on Montana 35 east of Kalispell.

The accident occurred at approximately 4:06 a.m., according to a Montana Highway Patrol dispatcher.

A 1997 Subaru Legacy sedan was headed westbound on Montana 35 when it left the road, entered the ditch on the north side of the road, struck a metal light pole and broke it at the base.

The vehicle continued and struck an embankment on the north side of the road before coming to rest near the intersection with Helena Flats Road.

The woman, Shayla Marie Dunlap, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The man, David Ampudia, was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. Neither person was wearing a seat belt.