Ian T. Winter dies in fatal Columbia Falls car crash

Ian T. Winter dies in fatal Columbia Falls car crash

Fatal Columbia Falls car crash death of Ian T. Winter – Obituary

Ian T. Winter, 37, from Columbia Falls, lost his life in a tragic collision on May 18 at the intersection of Highway 35 and Columbia Falls Stage Road.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol, Winter was driving a Chevrolet Equinox southbound around 3:18 p.m. when he crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a northbound Dodge Ram pickup truck. Winter was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pickup’s driver, aged 41, and a 46-year-old passenger, both from Columbia Falls, survived the crash and were transported to Logan Health Kalispell for medical treatment.

Investigators believe drugs and alcohol may have contributed to the accident. It was also reported that Winter was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, whereas the pickup driver was restrained and the passenger was not.