Columbia Falls man dies after being struck by a car Saturday night near Packer's Roost

A pedestrian who died after being struck by a vehicle Saturday night on U.S. 2 near Coram has been identified as Derek Perez, 29, of Columbia Falls.

Perez suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a pickup truck, according to Montana Highway Patrol and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

The Highway Patrol responded to the call that came in at 8:47 p.m. and was dispatched to U.S. 2, mile marker 145 near Packer’s Roost. Perez was pronounced dead at the scene, according to law enforcement.

Perez was believed to have been walking westbound in the center of an eastbound lane of traffic when he was struck, according to Eric Thoreson of Montana Highway patrol. The driver remained at the scene and called 911, Thoreson said.

The vehicle was believed to have been driving below the speed limit. Thoreson said he didn’t believe alcohol was a factor for the driver in the collision, but the incident remains under investigation.

According to his Facebook profile, Perez was a former Marine. He was originally from California.