The Glacier Reporter

TRUCK WRECK CLAIMS LIFE OF VALIER MAN TUESDAY

Leon Earl Bliss, 39, a young man born and raised in the Valier community, but now married and making his home in Lewistown, was instantly killed on Tuesday night of this week on Highway No. 2, 17 miles west of Browning and about two miles west of Dusty's Inn when a heavily loaded truck and semi-trailer left the grade, careened along the borrow pit for some distance and then smashed into a tree.

Coroner C. Murl Beck was notified of the accident, and with Jack W. Rappe went to the scene of the disaster, arriving only a short time after the occurrence.

After a careful examination it was concluded that the accident was caused by possibly too much speed, considering the road and the heavy load. There were two curves in the road not far from where the truck was found, and it may have been that the driver dozed for an instant and lost control.

Bliss was driving for the Great Falls Builders, and had on a heavy load of lumber, which he was bringing back from the Flathead. When the truck hit the tree, the heavy load on the trailer was forced up over the cab by the impact, and Bliss was caught in the cab, probably being killed instantly. He had a broken neck and other bruises, and lacerations.

No inquest was deemed necessary.

Bliss was a veteran of World War II. He was raised in the Valier community, being of a large family.

The body was taken to Conrad, and funeral services will be held in Valier the latter part of this week. Mrs. Bliss came and accompanied the body to Conrad.