On Thursday, April 9th, at approximately 3:10 PM, 911 dispatchers received reports of a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a truck at the intersection of 3rd Street NW and 16th Avenue NW. Officers from the Great Falls Police Department, along with crash investigators and crews from Great Falls Fire Rescue and Great Falls Emergency Services, responded to the scene. Unfortunately, the motorcycle driver was transported to the Benefis Health System Emergency Department, where they tragically passed away.
The 341st Missile Wing has identified the Airman who died in this accident. Airman 1st Class Daris Benally, 24, from Rapid City, South Dakota, was a missile handler assigned to the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron.
“There are no words that can fill the void left by this loss,” said Colonel Luke Stover, commander of the 341st Maintenance Group. “Beyond the uniform, Daris was a friend, a teammate, and a loved one. Our support and deepest sympathies go out to all who knew and loved him.”
“The loss of Daris Benally weighs heavily on many of us. Moments like this affect everyone differently, and it’s important that we take care of ourselves and each other,” stated Colonel Daniel Voorhies, commander of the 341st Missile Wing. “If you’re struggling, don’t carry it alone; lean on your teammates and reach out for support.”
The Benally family created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for funeral expenses at https://fpc-go.com/caj
The accident is currently under investigation by the Great Falls Police Department. Please stay tuned to The Great Falls Gazette for updates as more information becomes available.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
