Butte teens involved in fatal crash

By The Standard Staff - 04/30/2008

HELENA — A Helena teen-ager was killed early Sunday after the car she was riding in struck two elk on Highway 284, between Helena and Townsend.

Authorities identified the teen as Kelly O’Loughlin, 15, of Helena, a sophomore at Helena High School. She died from a severe head injury, authorities said.

The driver was identified as Michael Colvin, 17, of Butte. Other passengers in the car were Edward Cocking, 16, of Butte, and Jessica Bohler, 14, of Helena.

The collision tore off the roof of the 2007 Honda Civic, according to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Conner Smith.

O’Loughlin, who was a rear-seat passenger, died shortly after impact, either from being struck by the elk or part of the roof, said Smith.

The accident occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. at mile marker 18.7, approximately one-tenth of a mile south of Avalanche Creek.

After the accident, the driver, Colvin, apparently became disoriented and turned the car around,

heading toward Townsend, Smith said.

Within a half-mile of the accident, the car stalled. Two teen passengers ran to a nearby farmhouse for assistance, Smith said, while Colvin stayed with O’Loughlin.

The driver and other two passengers all received received minor injuries. They were treated at

St. Peter’s Hospital and were released, authorities said.

The teens had been at Canyon Ferry Lake before the accident, Smith said.

“We know some alcohol was involved,” Smith said. “We don’t know if it

contributed to the crash.”

The investigation is continuing, Smith said, including which of the teens may have been drinking and whether alcohol and the car’s speed were factors in the accident.

Helena High School Principal Greg Upham said Monday that the school had “set up grief counseling in support of our staff and

students throughout the day.”

— Compiled from media reports