BUTTE, MONTANA — In the stillness of the early morning hours on Saturday, July 19, tragedy struck the heart of Butte when a pedestrian was killed in a devastating hit-and-run crash. The fatal collision occurred around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of Locust and Garfield Streets, shaking a tight-knit community and igniting a citywide call for answers and accountability.
According to a statement from Sheriff Ed Lester, the victim—a 38-year-old local resident—was walking in the area when they were struck by a vehicle heading southbound on Garfield Street. The driver did not stop, instead fleeing the scene and continuing southbound before reportedly turning west on Grand Avenue. The vehicle is believed to be dark in color, but further identifying details are still unknown.
A Life Lost in an Instant
Emergency personnel from the Butte Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, and emergency medical services responded quickly after a 911 call reported the collision. Despite immediate life-saving efforts at the scene, the pedestrian succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead on-site. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name, pending notification of next of kin.
“This is a senseless, heartbreaking tragedy,” said Sheriff Lester during a press briefing. “Someone’s life ended far too soon, and their family is left with nothing but questions and unbearable grief. We owe it to them and this community to find whoever is responsible.”
Public Urged to Help in Identifying the Driver
As the investigation intensifies, the Butte Police Department is urging residents—especially those living near Locust, Garfield, and Grand Avenue—to check their home security or doorbell camera footage for any signs of a vehicle passing through between 12:15 a.m. and 12:45 a.m.
Even small details such as the sound of screeching tires, a vehicle speeding by, or a car with unusual damage could be critical to the investigation.
“We are asking our community to help us connect the dots,” Sheriff Lester stated. “You might think a detail is too small to matter—but it could be the key to solving this case.”
Law enforcement officers have also begun canvassing local businesses and homes in the vicinity of the crash site, looking for any additional surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts.
Community in Shock and Mourning
The sudden and violent nature of this loss has left the Butte community stunned and grieving. Known for its strong sense of camaraderie and support, neighbors have come together in sorrow, many expressing outrage over the cowardice of the driver who fled the scene.
“This person didn’t just hit someone—they left them to die,” said a longtime Butte resident, who lives near the scene. “We’re heartbroken. We need justice, not just for the victim’s family, but for all of us who care about our community.”
Local leaders and safety advocates have called for increased pedestrian protections in the area, including more street lighting, clearer crosswalk markings, and enhanced traffic enforcement at known high-traffic intersections like Locust and Garfield.
Investigation and Legal Consequences
The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by the Butte Police Department in collaboration with the Montana Highway Patrol and the Butte-Silver Bow Coroner’s Office. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death and collect additional evidence.
Authorities emphasized that fleeing the scene of a fatal accident is a felony offense under Montana law and could result in significant prison time upon conviction.
“We want to be clear: we will not rest until we find the person responsible,” Sheriff Lester reiterated. “And when we do, they will be held fully accountable under the law.”
How to Help
If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact the Butte Police Department at (406) 497-1120 or Crime Stoppers at (406) 782-7336. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
Law enforcement is especially looking for:
- Surveillance or dashcam footage from Locust, Garfield, or Grand Avenue taken between 12:15 a.m. – 12:45 a.m.
- Witnesses who saw or heard anything unusual in the area at that time
- Anyone who noticed a dark-colored vehicle with fresh front-end damage after the incident
A Plea for Justice
As a family prepares to say goodbye to a loved one taken in an instant, Butte stands together—mourning, searching, and demanding justice. The pain of this moment is deep, but so too is the resolve of those determined to uncover the truth.
“Our community deserves answers,” Sheriff Lester said. “And this victim deserves justice.”
Let us all remain vigilant and united in our shared hope that the driver responsible will soon be identified and brought to account—so that healing can begin, and so that such a tragedy is never repeated on our streets.
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