Kalispell woman dies in highway rollover

Alcohol was a factor in a fatal crash early Thursday on Montana 206 south of Columbia Falls, an official said.

A 29-year-old Kalispell woman, Loretta Brown, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. A 36-year-old man suffered injuries and was taken to the Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

The Montana Highway Patrol was called to the scene at around 5:20 a.m. Trooper David Mills said a sport utility vehicle was found upside-down and totaled far off the roadway.

The vehicle was traveling fast and rolled multiple times, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

“Both were ejected,” he said. “Neither was wearing their seat belts.”

While Mills said alcohol was a factor in the crash, he said officials still are trying to determine who was driving.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.