Crash claims life of Bigfork High senior

Madison Duke, 17, was known as a kind, caring, lovable and bright student by teachers and staff members at Bigfork High School.

Madison died of head injuries Sunday afternoon when the sport utility vehicle she was in rolled off U.S. 93 north of Kalispell, according to law enforcement. Another youth in the vehicle survived.

“We are all shocked and saddened by this event. We are sharing this information with our staff and students so they know the facts and know where to receive support if desired,” Bigfork School District Superintendent Matt Jensen wrote in a newsletter emailed to parents and the school community Monday. “Our prayers are with the Duke family.”

Counselors were made available Tuesday to students in two counseling sessions at the elementary and middle school. Jensen said in a phone interview Tuesday that additional sessions would be added as needed.

“We are saddened,” Jensen said. “She was a lovely kid and we’re going to miss her.”

Madison was the daughter of Andrew and Stephanie Duke.

A celebration of life for Madison will be held at 11 a.m. July 16 at The Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork.