Jozie Beth Hrenchir Obituary, Death – A tragic two-vehicle collision on Thursday, April 18, 2025, claimed the life of a 48-year-old woman from Gallatin Gateway, Montana. The crash occurred along Highway 191, involving a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and a Big Sky Fire Department ambulance.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), the incident happened just before 6 p.m. at mile marker 67, an area northwest of Storm Castle, a well-known landmark in the region. The woman, later identified as Jozie Beth Hrenchir, was driving her Toyota Tacoma northbound when she lost control of the vehicle while attempting to navigate a curve in the road. Her vehicle crossed the center line and entered the southbound lane, directly into the path of a Ram 5500 ambulance.
The two vehicles collided head-on, causing Hrenchir’s pickup truck to veer off the road. The impact caused the Tacoma to overturn, ultimately trapping Hrenchir inside. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, including personnel from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Big Sky Fire Department, and Gallatin Gateway Fire Department. Despite their efforts, Hrenchir was pronounced dead at the scene.
The MHP report noted that neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected to be contributing factors at the time of the crash, although the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether speed or other circumstances played a role. Road conditions at the time of the crash have not been disclosed, but Highway 191 is known for its winding curves and heavy traffic, especially around Storm Castle and the entrance to Gallatin Canyon.
The ambulance involved in the crash was en route to or from a call, though officials have not confirmed whether it was transporting a patient at the time. Inside the vehicle were two emergency responders—a 27-year-old man from Bozeman, who was driving, and a 26-year-old man from Helena. Both men were reportedly uninjured in the crash. However, as a precaution, they were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office formally released the identity of the deceased on Thursday evening. Jozie Beth Hrenchir, described by those who knew her as a longtime resident of Gallatin Gateway, leaves behind a grieving community. She was remembered for her close ties to the area, where she had lived for years and was well known among neighbors and friends.
The crash prompted a significant emergency response, briefly closing Highway 191 in both directions as crews worked to clear the scene, investigate the circumstances, and safely remove the vehicles. Traffic was rerouted, and delays extended into the evening hours, affecting local commuters and travelers through the scenic but treacherous highway corridor.
Community members and local officials expressed their condolences to the family of Jozie Beth Hrenchir, highlighting the dangers of Highway 191 and the importance of road safety along this heavily traveled route. The stretch of highway where the crash occurred is considered challenging, especially in poor weather or during high-traffic periods.
The Big Sky Fire Department also issued a statement acknowledging the crash and confirming that the ambulance was part of their fleet. They expressed their sympathy for the family of the deceased and gratitude that their personnel were unharmed. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time,” the department said in a press release. “We are grateful that our team is safe and are cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continues.”
The Montana Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash, gathering information from witnesses and reviewing the vehicles involved. Preliminary findings suggest the crash was a result of the Toyota Tacoma veering into the opposite lane, but a complete report will be issued once all aspects are thoroughly examined.
This tragic incident adds to the list of serious accidents that have occurred along Highway 191 over the years. Officials frequently urge drivers to exercise caution, especially on curving stretches like the one near Storm Castle. In response to this and similar events, local agencies have discussed additional safety measures for the corridor, including improved signage, lower speed limits in certain areas, and increased law enforcement patrols.
As the community mourns the loss of Jozie Beth Hrenchir, her family is expected to release funeral arrangements in the coming days. Friends and neighbors have already begun to express their condolences and share memories of Hrenchir through social media and local community groups.
For now, Gallatin Gateway and surrounding areas are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of caution on the roads. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even in the most familiar places.