Helena police investigate death of woman struck by vehicle

A 27-year-old Helena woman was struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday driven by her husband, officials said Tuesday. Lewis and Clark County Sheriff and Coroner Leo Dutton said deputies

responded to the intersection of Canyon Ferry Drive and Custer Avenue about 9:30 p.m. Sunday to "what was initially reported as a vehicle versus pedestrian accident." Jessica Lee

St. Clair was pronounced dead on the scene. Dutton said her next of kin have been notified, and her body was sent to Missoula for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. Dutton

said the initial report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident "may not be the case." He would not provide more information, pending autopsy results and the ongoing investigation

being conducted by the Helena Police Department. HPD Sgt. Adam Shanks said Tuesday as the case is remains under investigation and he could not share details. PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING… Shanks

confirmed the driver of the vehicle was 29-year-old Lane St. Clair, who was arrested Sunday night for driving under the influence, first offense, and possession of dangerous drugs.

"It's not being investigated as a traffic crash; it's something else," Shanks said. A Lewis and Clark County courthouse marriage certificate states the couple was married

in 2021. Justice of the Peace Michael Swingley's office said Lane St. Clair appeared before the judge Monday and was released on his own recognizance with conditions. About 15 law

enforcement units from HPD, the sheriff's office and Montana Highway Patrol responded to the incident, according to the calls for service report. Efforts to reach Lane St. Clair on

Tuesday were unsuccessful. Nolan Lister is a reporter at the Helena Independent Record with an emphasis on local government.  0 Comments SIGN UP FOR OUR CRIME & COURTS NEWSLETTER Get the

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