Ovando man killed in motorcycle accident near Lewis and Clark County line

A motorcyclist from Ovando died in a single vehicle accident on highway 200 about seven miles west of Lincoln on Saturday evening, July 24.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol fatality report, the 59-year-old man, who was not identified, was riding a 2012 Harley Davidson westbound a little after 6 p.m. He drifted off the right side of the road just beyond the Powell County line near mile marker 65. He went down into the ditch and up the other side, where the bike skidded, went through brush and rolled.

MHP Trooper Amanda Villa, who is investigating the accident, said it doesn't appear alcohol was a factor in the crash, although they can't be certain until they receive the coroner's report. Villa said it appears the Harley drifted off the road over the space of about 500 feet, rather than making a sudden swerve, which she said can be indicative of a medical issue.

Villa said the trooper who first responded to the scene didn't indicate if the man was wearing a helmet.

Lincoln Volunteer Ambulance responded to the accident and worked to save the man's life as they transported him to St. Patricks in Missoula, yet despite their efforts he was pronounced dead at the hospital.