Malta's Baublitz perishes in auto accident

Riley Baublitz, a 17-year-old student at Malta High School, passed away last Tuesday, August 30, following a car crash on Highway 243, 10 miles west of Saco.

Baublitz was the passenger in a van driven by a 22-year-old acquaintance, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. Early Tuesday morning, the two were driving south on Highway 243 toward Saco when the van drifted off the road. The 22-year-old driver attempted to right the van, but overcompensated and the van left the road again, rolling several times before coming to a stop on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Baublitz was announced dead at the scene and the report states neither of the two were wearing seat belts. The 22-year-old driver was injured in the accident, though the severity of his injuries have not been reported at this time.

The report says the road was dry at the time of the crash and it is unknown if speed, alcohol or drugs were a factor.

There are several places where donations to help the family with funeral expenses can be made. There is an account set up at First Security Bank under the name "Friends of Novalene," there is a donation jar at Horizon Resources (the former Little Ott's) and there are two Go Fund Me sites set up on the internet, the first at http://www.gofundme.com/2mczw572 and the second at http://www.gofundme.com/2mhymk9q.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, September 7 at 2 p.m. at Kirkwood Funeral Home in Malta. Respectfully, the Malta Public Schools will dismiss school Wednesday, September 7 at 1:30 p.m. for family and friends to attend Riley's services.