Man killed in hit-and-run at Ronan bar

RONAN – Last Tuesday night, a 62-year-old man died in the parking lot of the Valley Club bar in Ronan after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run.

The man has since been identified as Robert Van Gunten. At approximately 8:15 Tuesday night, Van Gunten was discovered lying unresponsive in the tavern’s parking lot. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and transported Van Gunten to nearby St. Luke Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead soon after his arrival.

An autopsy performed on Wednesday confirmed that Van Gunten had died as a result of a collision with a vehicle.

According to a press release from Lake County undersheriff Dan Yonkin, “officers are currently following several leads to determine the identity of the suspect vehicle and driver.”

The investigation is being conducted by numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Ronan Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Flathead Tribal Police and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone that may have information pertaining to the case is urged to come forward and contact Lake  County Crime Stoppers at 406-883-7309. According to the press release, callers may remain anonymous and can qualify for a financial reward.