By Mira Brody VP MEDIA
A fatal two-vehicle accident occurred on Thursday, April 17, at approximately 5:50 p.m. on U.S. Highway 191 near mile marker 68, resulting in the death of one motorist and damage to a Big Sky Fire Department ambulance.
Just before 6 p.m., Big Sky Fire Department, Gallatin Gateway Fire Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, Gallatin County Coroner’s Office and the Montana Department of Transportation responded to crash in Gallatin Canyon, close to Storm Castle. The accident involved a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and Big Sky Fire Department ambulance.
The coroner’s office identified the deceased Friday morning as Jozie Beth Hrenchir, 48, of Gallatin Gateway.
According to the accident report from Montana Highway Patrol, Hrenchir was northbound when she failed to navigate a curve, drifted in front of the oncoming ambulance and the vehicles collided. The Tacoma exited the road and overturned, and its driver, Hrenchir, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two occupants of the ambulance sustained minor injuries. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Sargent Dan Haydon confirmed that canyon was closed for about two-and-a-half hours while the scene was cleared. At this time, it has not been determined whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” Sheriff Dan Springer stated in an April 18 press release.
According to the Big Sky Fire Department, the ambulance was in transit to Big Sky from an inter-facility transfer from Bozeman Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The ambulance suffered “significant damage,” according to BSFD’s Division Chief of Operations Jeff Bolton, and is under assessment.
This incident is under investigation by Montana Highway Patrol.
