Kalispell man killed in motorcycle crash

A Kalispell man died Friday afternoon in a motorcycle crash after rear-ending a van while eastbound on Interstate 90 east of Livingston.

Authorities identified the man as Richard Hamilton, 56, who was pronounced dead upon arrival at Livingston Healthcare.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Sargent, Hamilton was driving through a construction zone when his motorcycle collided with the back of a Chevy Venture minivan at around 3:30 p.m.

Sargent said the van was traveling just below the posted speed limit of 65 mph.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Sargent said speed, inattentive driving and the lack of a helmet were contributing factors to the fatality.