GREAT FALLS — Malmstrom Air Force Base officials, in a news release on November 1, confirmed that the two men were airman assigned to the base.
They identified the airman who died as 19-year old Alton S. John. The injured airman, a 20-year old man originally from New Mexico and whose name has not been released, is said to be in stable condition as of November 1st.
“This is a loss that will be greatly felt by each and every member of Team Malmstrom,” said Colonel Barry Little, the commander of the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom, said “Our main focus will be continuing support to our injured Airman, the affected family members, and providing them with all the services available to work through this difficult time.”
(1st REPORT) A young man died following a crash in Cascade County that happened on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the 19-year old man from Texas and a 20-year old man from New Mexico were in a military HUMVEE along US Highway 89 between Monarch and Belt at about 8 p.m.
The MHP says the vehicle entered a downhill right-hand turn, and the driver "applied heavy braking" which pushed the vehicle forward as it crossed the center-line in the southbound lane.
The driver over-corrected to the left, sending the vehicle into a spin and off the road.
The vehicle then rolled several times.
Both men were taken to Benefis Health System in Great Falls for treatment.
The 19-year old driver died from his injuries on October 28; his name has not yet been released.
There is no word on the nature or severity of the passenger's injuries.
According to the MHP, both men were wearing seatbelts.
The MHP report says that speed was a factor in the crash, and drugs/alcohol were not factors in the crash.
No other details have been released.
We have not yet been able to confirm whether the two were military personnel from Malmstrom Air Force Base or another installation. We have tried contacting Malmstrom for clarification, but have not yet received a response.
We will update you if we get more information.
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