A Philipsburg town councilmember died in a motorcycle accident over the weekend, according to city officials.

Philipsburg Clerk and Treasurer Rachel Parret told the Missoulian that town councilmember John Laigaie died in an accident over the weekend in the Wise River area. 

"John was a huge asset to our community," Parret said in a phone call with the Missoulian on Tuesday. "He did a lot of extra stuff."

Parret said Laigaie was in charge of the Philipsburg rifle team and organized veterans' events, as well as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Fourth of July events. 

Notice of the open council seat will be posted in the Philipsburg Mail newspaper on July 23, Parret said, adding the council will then have 30 days to appoint someone to fill his seat until the next election. 

Andy Tallman is the criminal justice reporter for the Missoulian.