By Crash News Writer 
Lake County, MT (August 29, 2025) – A devastating crash on Wednesday evening on U.S. Highway 93 claimed the lives of four women after a passenger car collided with an RV in the Post Creek Hill area north of St. Ignatius, according to local officials.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on August 27. The collision involved a recreational vehicle carrying 10 occupants and a passenger vehicle carrying four people—all of whom died from their injuries.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell confirmed the victims as 53-year-old Denise Burland of Polson, 53-year-old Jo Lynn Leishman of Pablo, 52-year-old Lanelle Fisher of Ronan, and 42-year-old Kimberly R. Hewankorn of Polson.
While several passengers in the RV sustained injuries, all ten survived. Emergency crews responded quickly and diverted traffic for over three hours while authorities investigated and cleared the scene. Autopsies are being conducted by the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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This report is based on official updates and may be revised as new details become available. For questions about legal steps after a fatal crash, review our frequently asked questions in Montana.
- The four victims were transported to the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
- Traffic along U.S. Highway 93 was impacted for more than three hours during the emergency response.
- The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol and Lake County authorities.
For further guidance, visit our accident resources in Montana for tools and information for families impacted by loss or injury.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. All content is based on public records available at the time of writing and may be updated. Please see our full disclaimer.
If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a crash, contact a trusted Montana personal injury lawyer today to explore your legal options.