Head-on claims another Flathead trooper

For the third time in 18 months, a local Montana Highway Patrol trooper has died after being in a head-on crash while on duty.

Trooper Mike Haynes, 28, died March 27 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from injuries suffered in the crash on U.S. 93 north of Somers on March 23 at 2:36 a.m.

The 29-year-old Columbia Falls man whose Volkswagen struck the trooper's patrol car was pronounced dead at the scene. Travis Vandersloot was reportedly northbound on the wrong side of the divided highway.

Montana Highway Patrol Capt. Clancy King said Vandersloot's vehicle was traveling more than 100 mph and his blood-alcohol level exceeded the legal limit.

Haynes' injuries were initially described as non-life-threatening injuries, but he was in critical condition at KRMC. He died four days later at the hospital.

"The Highway Patrol has lost a brother and Montana has lost a hero," Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock said in a press release. "I encourage all Montanans to honor and pray for the men and women who work in these dangerous occupations to make our lives safer. We also need to reflect on the devastating consequences that come with drinking and driving."

Head-on accidents in the Flathead claimed the lives of two other Highway Patrol troopers in the past 18 months — David Graham, 36, on Oct. 9, 2007, on U.S. 2 in Evergreen, and Evan Schneider, 29, on Aug. 26, 2008, on U.S. 2 just west of Bad Rock Canyon.

Seven Montana troopers have died while on duty since the Highway Patrol was established 74 years ago.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer ordered flags flown at half-staff on Tuesday, March 31.

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from around the state, friends and family members braved the snow and cold on Tuesday afternoon to pay their last respects to trooper Haynes.

A long procession of patrol cars and emergency vehicles escorted his casket from the Kalispell Christian Center to his final resting place at Glacier Memorial Gardens.