WHITEHALL — A fatal crash on Montana Highway 69, near Whitehall, claimed the life of a 34-year-old Louisiana woman on Monday afternoon.
The woman was a passenger in a car driven by a 33-year-old man from Milwaukee. Authorities said the driver was passing other vehicles at a high rate of speed when he lost control, causing the vehicle to roll multiple times. The woman was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver was taken to a hospital for his injuries.
The Montana Highway Patrol reported that speed, alcohol, and improper seatbelt use are believed to be contributing factors in the incident.
According to the Montana Department of Transportation, there have been 13 fatalities on Montana highways thus far in 2026, a decrease from 16 fatalities during the same period in 2025.