Highway Patrol, Department of Labor and Industry to investigate death of county employee

A longtime Flathead County Solid Waste District employee died after a July 2 vehicle accident on Disposal Road left him with grievous injuries.

Jeff Kruckenberg, a 25 year employee of the Solid Waste District, was traveling toward U.S. 93 about 7:03 a.m. in his personal vehicle when the crash occurred, according to a press release issued by the county. Officials described it as a single vehicle accident.

On the advice of Dave Prunty, public works director, county commissioners closed the landfill and container sites that same day. Officials said the move came out of concern for the wellbeing of staff.

“I’d like to send my deepest sympathies to the family,” said Commissioner Brad Abell in a statement, “he was a valued employee.”

The waste facilities were reopened July 3.

Troopers with the Montana Highway Patrol are investigating the crash, officials said. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry also is expected to launch an investigation as well.