Driver dies from injuries in Pipe Creek Road crash

Tyler Ruhter, 31, died Wednesday at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from injuries sustained in a vehicle crash Sunday near Libby.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Ruhter’s passenger, Joseph Wesley Barnes, 39, remains in critical condition at the hospital.

Ruhter was the driver of a 2004 Ford pickup truck that rolled multiple times near mile marker 3 on Pipe Creek Road north of Libby. Another occupant, a 13-year-old boy, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities believe Ruhter was traveling northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve, overcorrected and lost control. All three people were ejected from the vehicle; they were not wearing seat belts.

Alcohol was a factor in the crash, which is under investigation by Montana Highway Patrol.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.