Fatal crash victim near Neihart identified

Meagher County officials have identified the 68-year-old man who died in a fatal accident Sunday near Neihart. 

James Beardo, of Lewistown, was killed as the result of a motorcycle crash just over the county line, according to Meagher County Sheriff Jon Lopp.

Montana Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred around 2:50 p.m., when Beardo's Harley Davidson struck a guardrail. Beardo, who was not wearing a helmet, reportedly lost control and struck the guardrail again before he and the bike traveled down the embankment on the side of the road. State authorities suspected he was "traveling too fast for road conditions," which were bare and dry.

Beardo was pronounced dead at the scene. 

There have been 99 highway fatalities this year, according to MHP.