Marion woman dies in Bigfork crash

A 20-year-old Marion woman died Monday morning in a two-vehicle accident on Montana 82, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office said.

Alexis Marie Beecham was pronounced dead at the scene. She was the driver of one of the vehicles. The accident occurred about 8 a.m. at mile marker 4.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, Beecham was driving a Buick LeSabre west on Montana 82 when she lost control while negotiating a right curve on the snow- and slush-covered road. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and was struck by a Chevy Tahoe, driven by a 65-year-old man from Bigfork. He was injured and taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center by ambulance.

Two passengers in the Tahoe, a 47-year-old woman from Bigfork, and a 3-year-old boy from Bigfork, were also injured and taken to KRMC.

The three adults were wearing seat belts while the child was in a safety seat, according to Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Jim Schneider.

Drugs, alcohol or speed were not suspected factors in the crash.

Ambulance crews from Bigfork and Lakeside as well as fire departments from Bigfork and South Kalispell and the Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.