On December 22, authorities confirmed that Gregory James Wells, a 69-year-old man from Kila, had died in a single-vehicle accident that occurred on December 10. Wells was reported missing by his wife on December 11 after he failed to return home from a trip to Kalispell, where he had been running errands. The timeline of events indicates that Wells had left his residence on the afternoon of December 10 for some light shopping. Later that day, friends noted that he had visited the Gold Bar casino on West Montana Street, where surveillance footage captured him leaving the establishment at approximately 6:30 p.m.
After his departure from the casino, Wells’ vehicle was last seen travelling west on U.S. 2 toward Dayton Creek Road. The Flathead County Sheriff, Brian Heino, stated that around 9:30 p.m., Wells was driving north on Dayton Creek Road when, for still undetermined reasons, he lost control of his 2000 Ford Explorer. The SUV veered off the road and rolled down a mountainside, leading to the tragic events that would later unfold. The serene yet treacherous winter conditions, including snow and ice-covered roads, played a critical role in the crash, complicating Wells’ driving situation and contributing to the accident.
The Highway Patrol’s accident report, issued on December 21, provided additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash. Significantly, it stated that Wells was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, which unfortunately would have had an impact on the outcome of the rollover. As the SUV came to a stop, Wells was rolled with the vehicle and became pinned underneath. Such outcomes underscore the importance of seatbelt usage in preventing fatalities in vehicle accidents.
Preliminary investigations suggested that drugs and alcohol might have been factors in the crash. While the investigation does not conclude definitively that they contributed to the accident, their presence is a serious consideration that authorities are exploring. The combination of impaired driving and hazardous road conditions created a potentially fatal situation that ultimately led to the tragic loss of life.
Wells’ disappearance and subsequent death have resulted in intense emotions for his family and friends, who were understandably distressed during the period he was missing. The timeline of events leading to the investigation reflects a sense of urgency and concern within the community. His family’s efforts to locate him before authorities uncovered the unfortunate conclusion highlight the anxiety and fear often associated with missing loved ones.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities present when driving in adverse weather conditions, particularly during the winter months in mountainous regions. It reinforces the message about the critical importance of road safety practices, proper vehicle operation, and the use of safety restraints. For the community of Kila and beyond, the memory of Gregory James Wells will likely be intertwined with the pivotal lessons learned from this tragic event, prompting further discussions about safety and awareness on the roads.