Former Libby man dies in crash in Troy

An early-morning traffic crash Friday in Troy claimed the life of a 21-year-old Livingston man, formerly of Libby.

According to a report by Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Jack Fendt, a 21-year-old Troy man was driving a Saturn Ion east on U.S. 2 at a high rate of speed when a 26-year-old Libby man in a Dodge Durango made a left turn out of the Town Pump parking lot.

Tpr. Fendt reported that the Ion swerved to avoid a collision with the Durango, overcorrected and went sideway.

The Ion struck the Durango on the passenger side in the intersection.

All three people were taken to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. The 21-year-old man, David Patterson, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to Tpr. Fendt, the 26-year-old Libby man and the 21-year-old Troy man were wearing seat belts. It was not known if Patterson was wearing a seat belt.

Alcohol, drugs and speed were suspected factors in the crash.