Alcohol involved in fatal Ronan wreck

Two men are dead after a vehicle rollover outside of Ronan last weekend, and alcohol was a factor, according to toxicology results from the state crime lab in Missoula.

The driver of the Nissan pickup, Christopher Craig Weivoda, 18, and passenger Thomas John Lyles, 20, were both ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene on Round Butte Road just west of Ronan.

According to toxicology tests performed earlier this week, Weivoda had a blood alcohol content of 1.5, almost double the legal limit, Undersheriff Mike Sargeant said Tuesday.

The accident was reported at 4:37 a.m. Saturday morning, March 11, after another driver came on the scene and found one of the passengers lying in the road, and others ejected nearby. A 16-year-old female, whose name was not released, suffered only minor injuries, while 17-year-old Joseph Stevens' condition was downgraded from critical to serious at St. Patrick Hospital earlier this week, according to Sargeant.

The accident is being investigated by the Montana Highway Patrol, and MHP, Tribal police and the Lake County Sheriff's office all responded to the scene. All indications are that none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts, according to a press release issued by the Sheriff's office.

Funeral services for Lyles were held earlier this week, while services for Weivoda are Thursday (today). Full obituaries for both men appear on pages B3 and B6.