Libby woman dies in roll over near dam
<p>Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Nagle, left, and MHP 164 Bryce Ford. Accident occurred at 16.2 mile marker, State Hwy. 37, one mile below Libby Dam.</p>
<p>MHP-164 Bryce Ford studies the accident scene Tuesday evening which occurred at the 16.2 mile marker, State Hwy. 37, one mile south of Libby Dam.</p>
<p>Accident occurred at 16.2 mile marker, State Hwy. 37, one mile south of Libby Dam. (Paul Sievers/The Western News)</p>
A 24-year old Libby woman died Tuesday night in a roll over on Highway 37 just south of the Libby Dam.
Christina Benefield, the passenger of the vehicle, died in the Tuesday wreck that is currently under investigation to determine if alcohol was a factor. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Bryce Ford said empty beer cans and empty alcohol and beer bottles were found inside the vehicle after the wreck.
Dispatch received a call around 8:05 p.m. about a one-vehicle crash on Highway 37 near mile marker 16. According to Ford, the driver, a 25-year-old Libby man named Patrick Wood, drifted off the right side of the road and struck the guardrail, causing the vehicle’s rear end to slide sideways. The vehicle reportedly struck a tree, which caused the vehicle to roll into another tree where the car came to rest on its wheels.
Dispatch on Wednesday said that neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. Both were transported to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. According to the dispatch call log, Wood consented to a blood draw, while Cabinet Peaks personnel called dispatch to confirm Benefield’s death.
According to a press release from Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant Neil Duram, charges will be considered after the investigation is complete.
Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.