Kalispell residents identified in fatal July 4 crash

The identities of two people who died in a head-on vehicle crash July 4 on Montana 35 have been released by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

Katie McKenna Dennee Barten, 31, and Alice Teresa Barten, 59, both of Kalispell, died in the accident that occurred near Fairmont Road.

According to a dispatcher with Montana Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at about 11:53 p.m. at mile marker 48.

The patrol said a vehicle driving north crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a southbound vehicle, which held both Katie Barten and Alice Barten.

The driver of the other vehicle, whose identity hasn’t been released, was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Alcohol was suspected in the crash. All three people involved were wearing their seat belts.

No charges have been filed yet and the crash is being investigated by Montana Highway Patrol.