The woman who died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 87 near Fort Benton on Sunday has been identified.
An obituary posted on Wednesday states that Matilda E. Wipf, 44 years old, "was taken from us way too soon in a tragic car accident on April 15."
The Chouteau County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Wipf was the victim of the crash.
The crash, which involved two pick-up trucks, happened near mile marker 37 and was reported to the Montana Highway Patrol at 1:37 p.m.
According to the MHP, a northbound Ford pick-up truck driven by a 23-year old woman from Box Elder was attempting to pass a vehicle on Highway 87.
The vehicle crashed into an oncoming Chevy pickup; inside the Chevy were four people, including Wipf. According to the MHP, she was not wearing a seatbelt.
There is no word on the nature or severity of the injuries sustained by the other people.
The MHP says that speed is considered a factor in the crash, but there are no indications that alcohol or drugs were involved.
There is no word yet on whether the driver of the Ford will face charges; her name has not been released at this point.
Responding agencies included the Montana Highway Patrol, Fort Benton Police Department, Chouteau County Sheriff’s Office, Carter QRU, Carter Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Benton Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Benton Memorial Ambulance, Chouteau County Search and Rescue. A Mercy Flight helicopter from Benefis Health System was also at the scene.
The Montana Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate; we will update you when we get more information.
- 1st Report: Fatal crash reported near Fort Benton
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