Victim ID'd in fatal hit-and-run

Kalispell Police have identified the victim of a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred Sept. 27, in downtown Kalispell.

Investigating Detective David Massie said the man who died was 89-year-old William “Bumps” Winter, of Kalispell. He died Friday at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

The police investigation continues.

Massie said he is waiting on results of a blood draw from the driver of a burgundy-colored minivan that allegedly was involved in the incident. Those results, from the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula, generally take a week.

According to the Flathead County 911 dispatch log, the driver was a female who was driving home from work at about 8:12 p.m. The vehicle was impounded by police.

Police said in a prior statement the accident occurred near the intersection of First Avenue West and First Street West.

The driver of the van reportedly left the scene after striking the pedestrian, but contacted Kalispell Police shortly afterward to report she had been in an accident.

She was questioned and released.

Kalispell Police encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact Massie at 758-7795.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.