Crash claims life of Seeley Lake man
Photos provided by Bigfork Fire and Ambulance<br>Bigfork Fire and Ambulance crews respond to a fatal accident last week on Highway 83. Below: The impact crumpled the interior of Keith Wayne Brownrigg's Ford Escort.
Keith Wayne Brownrigg, 49, of Seeley Lake, died instantly Tuesday evening Jan. 31, when his Ford Escort collided with a loaded logging truck near Echo Lake Road on Montana 83. Brownrigg was driving east and passing vehicles, according to reports.
The Flathead County Coroners office confirmed he was speeding. Brownrigg reportedly saw the logging truck coming at him westbound. He swerved back into his lane, overcorrected and slid into the path of the truck.
The logging truck struck Brownrigg's vehicle on the passenger side, compressing it into the driver's side. There was no air bag or seat belt used.
Fire Chief Rick Trembath said an airbag or seat belt would not have helped Brownrigg due to the nature of the crash.
"That road is not necessarily hazardous," said Trembath. "It's a long straight stretch of road and the temptation is to speed and pass other vehicles. This is what causes accidents on that road."
It is unknown if alcohol was involved, toxicology reports are not available for three weeks.