Man killed in crash with horse

An employee of the Rocky Boy Tribal Health Board died in a car crash Thursday night after his vehicle struck a horse, the Montana Highway Patrol said today.

Thomas Wayne Tully, 51, was prounced dead at Northern Montana Hospital. The accident occurred about 2 or 3 miles east of the Rocky Boy Agency on Parker School Road, Trooper Jeffrey Martin said.

Martin said neither speed nor alcohol were a factor in the accident. "He struck a horse. It appears the primary factor is trying to avoid a horse," Martin said.

The accident occurred on a slight curve on a downhill slope on dry pavement, according to Martin's report.

The report said Tully was westbound in a 1995 Chevrolet Suburban when he encountered a horse on the road. The vehicle turned to the right, then swerved back to the left, struck the horse, then skidded sideways off the left side of the road, the report said. The Suburban rolled once, ejecting Tully, and came to rest in an upright position, the report said.

Tully was not wearing a seat belt, the report said.

Tully, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was working as a physician's assistant at the Rocky Boy Clinic. He had been hired on a temporary position through a service agency, according to the clinic.