Driver killed in single-vehicle crash

A 50-year-old Columbia Falls area man died about 8:47 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, after his vehicle slid off Blackmer Lane and struck several trees.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the man was alone driving east when his vehicle drifted sideways off the right side of the road, hit a fence and then continued through into a yard where it struck the trees.

The man, who was identified as Michael Koskela, wasn’t wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected through the front passenger side window. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was bare and dry. It wasn’t known if alcohol was involved, but speed was determined to be a factor. The accident remains under investigation.