Missing Kila man died in car crash, authorities say

A Kila man reported missing earlier this month died in a single-vehicle crash near Lakeside on Dec. 10, authorities report.

Gregory James Wells, 69, was reported missing Dec. 11 by his wife after disappearing during a visit to Kalispell the day prior.  

On the afternoon of Dec. 10, Wells left his home in Kila for a little light shopping in Kalispell before heading to the Gold Bar casino on West Montana Street, according to friends. Surveillance video captured Wells leaving the casino at 6:30 p.m. His vehicle was last reported travelling west on U.S. 2 from Kalispell, according to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino.  

The Highway Patrol accident report issued Dec. 21 indicates Wells' was driving north on Dayton Creek Road at about 9:30 p.m. when his 2000 Ford Explore left the roadway and rolled down a mountain side.

Wells, who was not wearing a seat belt, rolled with the vehicle and was pinned under the SUV when it stopped.

Drugs and alcohol are suspected factors in the crash, the report indicates. Road conditions were snow and ice covered.