Motorcyclist killed in crash near Thompson Falls

A Hot Springs man died Tuesday in a motorcycle crash in Sanders County.

The 44-year-old man was riding a Harley Davidson XL 1200X northbound on Montana Secondary Highway 471 near Thompson Falls when the crash occurred at about 2:45 p.m.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol crash report, after failing to negotiate a curve the motorcycle hit the pavement, and the rider was thrown into a guardrail. He died at the scene.

The rider was wearing a helmet. Alcohol and speed are suspected factors in the crash, the report states. Road conditions were clear and dry.