West Michigan man dies after being struck by pickup in Montana

Wed, Oct 8, 2008    to del.icio.us

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — A West Michigan man was struck and killed by a pickup truck as he tried to flag down a passing motorist on U.S. Highway 2 near Kila, Mont., early Tuesday.

Flathead County Sheriff's deputies said the crash happened just after 4 a.m. The victim was identified as 78-year-old Ned Howe of Grandville.

Authorities said Howe had apparently run out of gas and was trying to get someone to stop and help. The two men in the pickup said they didn't see the man until just before the crash took place.

Investigators believe Howe was traveling across the country. A map with a planned route was found inside his vehicle.

The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.