UPDATED: Rollover north of Arlee kills one

ARLEE - An Arlee man is held at the Lake County Jail after a fatal vehicular accident early Friday morning on U.S. Highway 93.

Christopher Gardipe, 32, was allegedly the driver of a pickup truck that rolled over just north of Arlee. The unnamed male victim was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead on scene. A female passenger and Gardipe were transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Alcohol seems to have been a contributing factor, according to a press release from Lake County Sheriff Lucky Larson.

Gardipe appeared on crutches over video link to Justice Court Friday afternoon. He has been charged with negligent vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol. During the bond hearing, deputy county prosecutor J. Cory Allen said Gardipe and two passengers were traveling southbound on Hwy. 93 just north of Arlee when Gardipe overcorrected to the left and flipped his vehicle. The truck righted itself, but is considered a total loss. Another vehicle with three sober occupants came upon the accident, stopped and called 911. While waiting for emergency response, a third vehicle came along, allegedly hit the male passenger and continued on without stopping. It is believed that the man was killed before the alleged hit and run.

Justice of the Peace Chuck Wall set Gardipe's bond at $10,000 after learning Gardipe is employed and has no prior criminal record.

The investigation is ongoing. Check back for more updates.