Alcohol, speed suspected in fatal crash near Ronan

A motorcyclist died in a traffic crash in near Ronan at 11:48 a.m. on Sunday.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, a 63-year-old man from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was driving a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle south on U.S. 93 North. Directly in front of the motorcycle, a 1993 Dodge Dakota driven by a 59-year-old man from Pablo was also heading south. The truck reportedly attempted to turn left onto Spring Creek Road when, for an unknown reason, the motorcycle came up on the left side of the vehicle and struck the front quarter panel according to Montana Highway Patrol. The motorcycle continued south before going off the roadway and overturning.

The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured.

Road conditions were dry. Alcohol and speed were suspected factors in the crash according to officials.

The names of the men were not immediately available.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.