Polson boy loses life, mom and brother injured
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An accident between Billings and Hardin on Interstate 90 on June 16 resulted in the death of Bradley Trogden, 5, a Polson boy, and left his mother, India, 27, and little brother Alex seriously injured.
According to Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Craig Baum, the accident happened about 30 miles east of Billings. Trogden’s Chevrolet S-10 Blazer was in the eastbound lane when it drifted into the median. Troopers believe Trogden overcorrected and lost control of the Blazer, rolling it several times and ejecting all three passengers from the vehicle. Baum said the investigation into the accident is ongoing, but no alcohol or drugs were involved.
A memorial service for Bradley is scheduled for July 9 in Polson, but not further details are available at press time.
Alex was stabilized in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings and then flown on to Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colo. A family friend said after being in a coma for eight days, Alex woke on June 24. Tubes were removed from his lungs, and he is breathing on his own. His motor skills seem okay, although testing is ongoing, and he is able to follow his father’s progress across the room with his eyes.
India was in intensive care at St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings for four days, and she now is in the rehabilitation ward. She suffered collapsed lungs, broke most of her ribs, cracked many vertebrae from her neck to the base of her spine, has shoulder and scalp lacerations. Sources close to India said she has retained her motor skills and is walking without a walker. When she is vertical, she is in a body cast and will be for about six months. While horizontal, India wears a neck brace.
A spaghetti dinner benefit is planned for June 28 at the Driftwood Cafe. Cost will be $6 per plate, and all the money will go to the Trogden family.
