ST. IGNATIUS – August 28, 2025: Four people died in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 93, north of St. Ignatius, Wednesday evening.
Lake County 911 received reports of the accident at approximately 5:30 p.m. According to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, the crash involved an RV with 10 passengers and a passenger car. All four occupants of the passenger vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
The RV's passengers suffered minor injuries, but all survived. Traffic was diverted for over three hours while emergency responders managed the scene and conducted investigations.
The deceased have been identified by Lake County Sheriff/Coroner Don Bell as Denise Burland, 53, of Polson; Jo Lynn Leishman, 53, of Pablo; Lanelle Fisher, 52, of Ronan; and Kimberly R. Hewankorn, 42, of Polson. Their bodies have been sent to the Montana State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.
The Lake County Coroner's Office is investigating the cause and manner of death, while the Montana Highway Patrol is handling the crash investigation. No additional details about the circumstances of the crash have been released.