13-Year-Old Dies Following Tragic Butte Carnival Ride Accident as Investigation Continues

By ButteNews.net Staff

BUTTE, Mont. — The Butte community continues to mourn after a 13-year-old boy died from injuries he sustained earlier this month after falling from a carnival ride at the Butte Civic Center.

The accident happened on the afternoon of June 7 during the annual carnival held in the Civic Center parking lot. According to Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, emergency crews responded shortly after 3 p.m. after reports that a child had fallen from the YO-YO ride while it was operating. The boy suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in Kalispell for specialized treatment. After more than two weeks in the hospital, Sheriff Ed Lester announced that the teenager passed away on the evening of June 21 as a result of those injuries.

Law enforcement has not officially released the boy's identity, honoring the family's request for privacy while the investigation continues. However, memorials that have appeared around Butte identify the victim as Clayton Phillips, and community members have gathered to pay their respects.

What Happened?

Investigators say the teenager fell from the carnival's YO-YO ride, a large swing-style attraction where riders sit in suspended chairs attached by long chains while the ride spins at high speed. Witnesses described seeing the boy thrown from the ride before striking the pavement below. Several bystanders, including individuals with medical training, immediately rushed to help until emergency responders arrived.

The ride was immediately shut down and secured by authorities. Out of an abundance of caution, officials also suspended operation of the remaining carnival rides while investigators began documenting the scene.

Investigation Still Underway

Although investigators have spent weeks examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, officials have not yet announced what caused the boy to fall or whether mechanical failure, rider restraint issues, or another factor played a role.

The YO-YO ride has remained in Butte while investigators await a certified amusement ride inspector to complete a detailed examination. The remainder of the carnival equipment was allowed to move on to its next scheduled location after authorities documented the scene.

At this time, no citations or criminal charges have been announced.

Carnival Ride Safety in Montana

The tragedy has renewed discussion about carnival ride inspections across Montana.

Unlike many states, Montana has historically had limited statewide oversight of traveling carnival rides. Following previous ride-related incidents, state lawmakers approved legislation requiring rides to be inspected and certified by qualified inspectors before operation. Even with those requirements in place, investigators must now determine whether the ride involved in the Butte incident complied with all applicable inspection standards and whether the accident resulted from equipment failure, human error, or another unforeseen circumstance.

A Community Grieves

The death has deeply affected families throughout Butte. Since news of the tragedy spread, community members have left flowers, balloons, and other memorials in honor of the young victim. Messages of support have also poured in for his family, first responders, and the witnesses who attempted to save him immediately after the accident.

While investigators continue their work, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have indicated that additional information will be released once the investigation is complete.

For now, a community that came together for what was meant to be a weekend of family fun is instead remembering the life of a 13-year-old whose tragic death has left a lasting impact on Butte.

Chick-fil-A Opens in Butte: Location, Hours, Menu and Everything You Need to Know

Butte’s newest fast-food restaurant has officially arrived, bringing one of America’s most popular chicken chains to Cornerstone Plaza on Harrison Avenue.

After years of anticipation, one of the most requested restaurant chains in Butte has officially opened its doors.

Chick-fil-A Butte began serving customers on June 11, becoming the first of four new Chick-fil-A locations planned across Montana through 2027. The opening marks a major milestone for Cornerstone Plaza, the rapidly growing commercial development on Harrison Avenue that has already brought new national brands to the Mining City.

Where Is Chick-fil-A Located?

The new restaurant is located in Cornerstone Plaza on Harrison Avenue near Bert Mooney Airport, one of Butte’s largest new commercial developments. The plaza has transformed a previously undeveloped area into a retail and restaurant hub that now includes Chipotle, Planet Fitness, Jersey Mike’s and other national retailers.

The Chick-fil-A building itself occupies approximately 4,927 square feet on more than two acres of land and was built with a dual drive-thru design intended to help handle the heavy traffic expected from local residents and travelers passing through Butte on Interstate 90 and Interstate 15.

Why This Opening Is Such a Big Deal

For years, Butte residents have had to drive to Billings, Missoula, Bozeman or Kalispell to get Chick-fil-A. The company announced plans to enter the Butte market as part of a broader Montana expansion effort, citing strong community demand and the city’s strategic location at the crossroads of two major interstate highways.

The arrival of Chick-fil-A is also viewed as a significant economic development win for Butte. Earlier estimates projected a construction investment of more than $5 million, with the restaurant expected to create dozens of local jobs while attracting additional visitors to the community.

Meet the Local Operator

The Butte restaurant is operated by Calder Prevatt, a longtime Montana resident selected by Chick-fil-A to run the location. Company officials describe Prevatt as passionate about community involvement and local growth, which aligns with Chick-fil-A’s model of having individual owner-operators actively involved in each restaurant’s success.

Grand Opening Celebration

To celebrate opening day, Chick-fil-A hosted a “Moove-In Party,” inviting customers to wear cow-print clothing for a chance to receive a free entrée or kids meal. The event follows a long-standing Chick-fil-A tradition that has become popular at grand openings across the country.

The opening generated significant excitement on social media, with the restaurant’s official Facebook and Instagram pages announcing the June 11 launch date weeks in advance.

What Can Customers Expect?

The Butte location offers the full Chick-fil-A menu, including:

• Original Chicken Sandwich
• Spicy Chicken Sandwich
• Chick-fil-A Nuggets
• Waffle Potato Fries
• Mac & Cheese
• Chicken Biscuits
• Salads and Wraps
• Milkshakes and Specialty Drinks

The restaurant also features drive-thru service and mobile ordering through the Chick-fil-A app.

Cornerstone Plaza Continues to Grow

The opening is just one piece of a larger transformation occurring on Butte’s south side. Cornerstone Plaza developers have already brought Chipotle, Planet Fitness, Jersey Mike’s and other national brands to the area, with additional development still planned. Several acres remain available for future retail and commercial projects.

For many residents, Chick-fil-A’s arrival represents more than just another fast-food option. It serves as a visible sign of continued investment in Butte and demonstrates the city’s growing appeal to national brands looking to expand throughout Montana.

Whether you’re a longtime Chick-fil-A fan or trying it for the first time, the wait is finally over. The restaurant is now open and serving customers in Butte.

Construction Begins on New WinCo Foods Store in Butte

BUTTE — Construction is underway on the new WinCo Foods store in Butte, marking a major step forward for one of the community's most anticipated retail developments.

The project is moving forward at the former Butte Plaza Mall property, where the new grocery store is expected to bring additional shopping choices, new jobs, and renewed attention to one of Butte's most visible commercial areas.

WinCo Foods is known throughout the western United States for its employee-owned model, warehouse-style stores, bulk foods, and competitive pricing. For many local shoppers, the company's arrival represents a long-awaited addition to Butte's grocery market.

The new store is expected to create permanent employment opportunities once it opens, along with construction-related work as the project advances. Supporters of the development say the store could also help increase competition among local grocery retailers and give families another option for everyday essentials.

The project also reflects continued investment in Butte's retail and commercial corridors. The former mall property has long been viewed as a key location for redevelopment, and the WinCo project could help draw additional activity to the area.

Local residents have followed the project closely, with many expressing excitement about the possibility of lower grocery prices and a larger selection of products. The store's bulk foods section and no-frills shopping model have made WinCo popular in other western communities.

While an official opening date has not yet been announced, construction activity is expected to continue through the coming months. More information about hiring, store features, and the opening timeline will likely be released as the project gets closer to completion.

For Butte, the beginning of construction is more than just another retail project. It represents new jobs, new shopping choices, and another sign of economic activity taking shape in the community.

Image: WinCo Foods comes to Butte, Montana.