Kalispell man killed in Highway 2 wreck

A 30-year-old Kalispell man died and two women were injured in a crash on U.S. 2 at mile marker 133 on Saturday.

Montana Highway Patrol was dispatched to the scene of the two-vehicle crash at 4:15 p.m. According to troopers, the man, who was later identified as Jesse Butler, was driving a Geo Prizm westbound on U.S. 2 when he lost control and crossed the center lane, hitting a 2017 Subaru Forester head-on. Butler was pronounced dead at the scene.

Driving the Subaru was a 28-year-old Columbia Falls woman. She and her passenger, a 57-year-old Columbia Falls woman, were injured and transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The 28-year-old’s injuries were minor. The 57-year-old’s injuries were listed as severe, but not life-threatening, according to Montana Highway Patrol. Both were wearing seat belts.

Road conditions were listed as having patchy ice and snow. Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash.