Police release details of fatal crash

Havre Police released Wednesday afternoon details of an Aug. 15 crash near Highland Cemetery in Havre that injured three people, killing one of them.

The release said that at 12:24 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala was as traveling on Park Road near the cemetery when it struck a tree on the north side of the street.

Havre Police and Fire Department personnel responded and found three people injured, the release said, and they were transported to Northern Montana Hospital. Two of the crash victims were then taken to a Great Falls hospital.

The Hill County coroner said Tuesday that one of the victims, Jason Skidmore, 34, died at the Great Falls hospital.

The police release said the crash investigation is ongoing but preliminary investigation indicates that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

The release said Havre Police wants to remind people to wear their seat belts while in vehicles and to never drink and drive.

Preliminary results as of Aug. 21 indicate Montana has had 124 fatalities on its roadways this year compared to 126 fatalities by Aug. 21, 2016, the release said, adding that the deadly factors that contribute to fatalities are impaired driving and not properly using restraints.

Of the fatality incidents, 68 were due to impaired driving and improper use of restraints accounted for 54 fatalities, the release said.

In Havre and the surrounding area, crashes have resulted in 16 fatalities this year compared to seven for the same date last year.

“Again, please drive safely and remember to buckle up and plan for a sober ride by a designated sober driver,” the release said.