Havre native is killed

in crash

Larry Kline

Havre Daily News

[email protected]

A Havre family is mourning the death of Lucas James Floren, 21, of Whitefish, who died early Saturday morning in a motorcycle accident.

A Havre native and Havre High School graduate, Floren was known as a good person and a hard worker, an uncle, Rob Floren, said today.

"Luke was a very caring and loving boy," Floren said. "An all-around Havre boy. A very hard worker, a community-minded kid. He was very close to his family."

Lucas Floren entered the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and graduated in the honor platoon in San Diego, Calif. He worked with his uncle, Rob, at Hill County Printing Co. and helped his father, Ray Floren, build houses, Rob Floren said.

Lucas recently moved to Whitefish to continue his training as an electrician. He was working toward earning journeyman status.

"He had a good future ahead of him," Rob Floren said.

He added that the family is in Whitefish and is doing "OK." Floren said the family has received numerous calls from friends and wants to thank everyone who has offered sympathy.

Lucas Floren was northbound on U.S. Highway 93 near Whitefish early Saturday when his motorcycle skidded off the roadway, the Montana Highway Patrol said.

"We know that speed was a factor," Flathead County deputy coroner Mike Meehan said today.

The accident report is not yet complete, so Meehan could not estimate Floren's speed. Meehan said the motorcycle skidded several hundred feet. Floren's body and his motorcycle were hidden in high grass and were not found until about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, when a passing motorist came upon the scene, he said.

Road conditions were dry, Meehan said. Floren was not wearing a helmet. Meehan said Floren suffered massive internal injuries.

The Montana Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the accident.

A memorial service will be Thursday at 2 p.m. in Fifth Avenue Christian Church.