Motorcyclist dies in collision with deer

A man died in a motorcycle crash Thursday night when he collided with a deer near Woods Bay south of Bigfork. He was later identified by Lake County Sheriff Don Bell as 26-year-old Samuel Keirle of Bigfork.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, Keirle was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle north on Montana 35 at about 9:13 p.m. when he struck a deer standing in the road near mile-marker 28. He died at the scene.

Drugs, alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash, but he was not wearing a helmet.

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