Devin Fryslie Obituary, Death: Lake County man killed in two-car collision.
Devin Fryslie Obituary, Death – A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred early Friday morning, April 25, 2025, in Lake County, Montana, resulting in the death of a Ronan man. Authorities have identified the deceased as 34-year-old Devin Fryslie, who died at the scene of the accident.
The crash took place around 1 a.m. along U.S. Highway 93, several miles north of the town of Ronan. According to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), Fryslie was driving a Nissan Frontier heading south in the northbound lane of the highway, near mile marker 50. While traveling in the wrong direction, the Nissan veered and collided head-on with a Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 43-year-old woman from Missoula.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where Fryslie was pronounced dead. Authorities noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, which may have contributed to the severity of his injuries. In contrast, the female driver of the Volkswagen was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to St. Luke Community Healthcare in Ronan. While officials confirmed she sustained injuries, they have not released information about their extent or seriousness.
The Montana Highway Patrol believes alcohol or drug use may have played a role in the crash, though the investigation is still underway to determine the full set of contributing factors. Toxicology results and further evidence are likely being reviewed as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell publicly identified Fryslie and extended condolences to his family, while also reminding the public of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving. This incident highlights the devastating consequences that can result from driving under the influence or operating a vehicle without a seatbelt.
U.S. Highway 93, particularly the stretch near Ronan, has been the site of multiple serious crashes in recent years, prompting calls from residents and local officials for increased safety measures. Many in the community are again urging for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and greater public awareness campaigns to address common causes of fatal accidents, such as impaired driving and failure to wear seatbelts.
The crash shut down portions of the highway for several hours as emergency crews worked to assist the injured and clear the scene. Traffic was diverted to alternate routes, and the road was eventually reopened after a thorough examination by investigators and cleanup crews.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident. They are expected to release more information once their findings are complete. In the meantime, authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward.
As the community of Ronan and the surrounding region comes to terms with this loss, local officials are emphasizing the importance of road safety, especially during late-night hours when visibility is low and the risk of impaired driving increases. With warmer months ahead, bringing more traffic to Montana’s highways, law enforcement hopes drivers will take precautions to avoid further tragedies.
The death of Devin Fryslie marks yet another life lost on Montana’s roads and serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors. While investigations continue, the hope is that awareness of incidents like this can contribute to safer roads for all travelers.
