Two deaths reported in separate crashes near Hot Springs

Two Northwest Montana residents died recently in vehicle crashes near Hot Springs.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, a 47-year-old Thompson Falls man was driving a motorcycle northbound on West Road at about 9:16 p.m. Saturday, May 30 when the vehicle traveled off the left side and overturned. The man was not wearing a helmet. Drug use is also suspected.

In the other crash, a 46-year-old Kalispell woman died in an all-terrain vehicle accident May 23 near Hot Springs.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, the accident, which also sent a 39-year-old woman to the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, occurred at about 7:35 p.m. on Little Bitterroot Road near milemarker 7.9.

A Highway Patrol official said the 46-year-old woman was driving a Yamaha ATV east on the gravel road when she attempted a left turn on a curve and the vehicle rolled off the right side of the road.

Road conditions were described as bare and dry. Alcohol and speed were suspected factors in the crash.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com