HELENA — Lewis and Clark County Sheriff/Coroner Leo Dutton says two people died this weekend in a vehicle crash on Highway 200, near Lincoln.
Dutton told MTN that dispatch received calls about a crash around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2025, about 11 miles east of Lincoln.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash, and two fatalities were reported.
Dutton identified the deceased as Michael Smith, 68, of Great Falls, and Josy McLean, 60, of Great Falls.
“The preliminary cause of death for both individuals is blunt force trauma, and the manner of death is classified as accidental. Both decedents have been transported to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula for autopsy. To the Family of the victims, please accept our sincerest apologies for your loss,” wrote Dutton in a press release.
Two additional victims were transported to St. Patrick’s in Missoula for treatment.
The crash is currently under investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol.
Editor's note: The original version of this story incorrectly identified one of the deceased as "Josh" McLean and stated the accident happened on Saturday based on the original press release. A correction from the Lewis and Clark Sheriff's Office was issued stating the name was Josy Mclean and the accident was on Sunday Jan. 4, 2025.
