Sheriff releases ID of Polson man killed in crash on Back Road

Lake County Sheriff and Coroner Don Bell on Tuesday announced the name of the Polson man who died in a one-vehicle crash Saturday night near Pablo.

Saul J. Blackweasel, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near mile marker 6 on Back Road west of U.S. Highway 93.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, a 2006 Ford Mustang was traveling south on the road when it failed to negotiate a left-hand curve, drove off the right side of the road and hit a rock embankment. The car overturned before landing on its tires.

The crash was first reported just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Blackweasel was a passenger in the car. He was wearing a seat belt.

Two others were injured in the crash, though authorities have not released their names. A 19-year-old man from Ronan was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, then to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Also, an 18-year-old man from St. Ignatius was injured and taken to St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.

Investigators said it was unclear whether the two injured occupants were wearing seat belts and it’s also unclear which was driving at the time of the crash. Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol.

Officials said it was the 14th traffic fatality in Montana in 2021.