Kalispell, MT (June 15, 2026) – A 28-year-old Helena man died early on Saturday morning, June 13, after an accident on U.S. Highway 2 near Kalispell.
The collision happened at about 2:53 a.m. near mile marker 117 in Flathead County. According to the Montana Highway Patrol report, a Ford F-150 was traveling westbound when the man was struck.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the site. His name was not included in the initial report. The 18-year-old woman driving the pickup was from Eureka. No other injuries were reported in the available update. The fatal wreck remains under review as investigators work to confirm the full sequence of travel.
Our sincere condolences go out to the man’s family and loved ones.
Why Low-Light Highway Travel Can Be Dangerous for People on Foot
Walking near a highway before sunrise can be especially dangerous because visibility is usually limited. Drivers may have less time to notice someone near the travel lanes, even when headlights are being used.
Dark clothing, road curves, limited shoulder space, and glare from other vehicles can all make it harder to see clearly. At highway speeds, stopping distance can be much longer than many drivers expect.
People on foot also have no protection from a vehicle. A single impact can cause life-threatening trauma, especially on roads with higher speed limits. Lighting, lane position, shoulder width, and driver reaction time are frequently key factors in understanding why these roadway injuries can be so severe.
