Columbia Falls man identified in fatal May 18 accident

The Columbia Falls man who was killed in a car accident on May 18 at Highway 35 and Columbia Falls Stage Road has been identified as Ian T. Winter,  37.

Winter was driving a Chevrolet Equinox southbound about 3:18 p.m. on Highway 35 when he crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Dodge Ram pickup truck, according to a Montana Highway Patrol report. 

Winter died at the scene. The 41-year-old driver of the pickup and a 46-year-old passenger, also from Columbia Falls, survived and were taken to Logan Health Kalispell for treatment for their injuries. 

Drugs and alcohol were suspected in the crash. Winter was also not wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the truck was wearing a seatbelt. The passenger was not, according to the report.