UPDATE: 5 p.m. - December 22, 2025
The Montana Highway Patrol tells MTN News they identified a person of interest for their possible involvement in the fatal crash in the Flathead.
MHP would not elaborate, only saying the crash remains under investigation.
MTN will continue to update this story as it develops.
(second report 1:45 p.m. - December 22, 2025)
The Flathead County Sheriff identified the passenger as Tannon Hillis, 34 years old, from Bozeman.
Sheriff Brian Heino said Hillis was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders found him inside his vehicle on Buffalo Trail at approximately 9:55 a.m. on December 20.
The Somers Fire Department, Lakeside Quick Response Unit, Montana Highway Patrol, and Flathead County Sheriff's Office all responded to the crash.
Hillis was transported to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula for an autopsy.
The Flathead County Coroner's Office and Montana Highway Patrol continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The death remains under investigation.
(first report: 10:35 a.m. - December 22, 2025)
A driver fled the scene of a fatal crash in Flathead County over the weekend, abandoning their passenger who died in the overturned vehicle, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred sometime Saturday when an unidentified driver traveling northbound on Buffalo Trail and Running Bison Lane near Somers failed to negotiate a left-hand curve and exited the road to the right.
The Chevrolet Silverado went down an embankment and overturned onto the passenger side before striking trees. The crash was estimated to have occurred several hours before it was reported to authorities.
The passenger, a 34-year-old Bozeman man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver fled the area, leaving the victim behind. MTN has reached out to authorities for an update on the driver's status.
The Montana Highway Patrol reports that alcohol, drugs and speed are suspected factors in the fatal crash.
MHP continues to investigate the incident.
