Columbia Falls teacher killed in ATV crash

A Columbia Falls junior high teacher died after he rolled his ATV while eastbound on U.S. Highway 2 just outside the city Sunday evening.

Eyewitnesses said Joe Greene, 35, was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred about 10 p.m.

Greene, for reasons that aren't clear, made a hard right turn with the machine and it rolled one and a half times, said Highway Patrolman Martin Shrock. Speed was not a factor in the crash, as he was going about 40 to 45 mph when the accident occurred, but without a helmet, Greene suffered severe head and chest injuries.

No one else was involved in the accident.

Columbia Falls fire and police, Three Rivers Ambulance, the Flathead County Sheriff's Department and Montana Highway Patrol all responded to the scene.

Greene was airlifted by ALERT to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He died Monday afternoon.

Greene taught social studies in his years at Columbia Falls and was a coach of several sports, including football and basketball at the junior high. He was also an assistant football coach at the high school level when he first moved here, said his wife, Nacona Greene, who teaches sixth grade at the junior high.

A memorial vigil was held at the junior high by students in memory of Greene on Tuesday. They organized it themselves.

"He was popular and innovative," said Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Dave Wick. "He was very energetic and friendly with the kids and the kids loved him. He built strong relationships. We're all just heartbroken about it. He was very much a community and family guy. A great young man."

Greene had two children, daughter Haley, and son Parker.