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Root sentenced in 2008 Hwy 93 death

by Aimee Niles
| November 25, 2009 12:00 AM

Clinton Root, 33, was sentenced to 20 years in the Montana Department of Corrections with 15 years suspended after being found guilty of negligent homicide.

On Feb. 2, 2008, a blue Subaru driving at high rates of speed near Arlee attempted to pass a slowed or stopped vehicle. The driver of the vehicle lost control and slid into the other lane where a semi-truck struck the side of the vehicle accordig to court records.

Kayla Thompson was ejected from the vehicle and died at St. Patrick Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Montana Highway Patrol officers estimated the vehicle was traveling at speeds of around 90 mph when the crash occurred.

Root was later discovered to be the driver of the blue Subaru.