Officials at Malmstrom Air Force Base have identified Daris Benally as the airman who died in a crash in Great Falls on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
A news release says that Airman 1st Class Benally, 24 years old, was from Rapid City, South Dakota, and served as a missile handler assigned to the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron at Malmstrom.
The crash happened at about 3:10 p.m. at the intersection of Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW. Benally was taken to Benefis Health System and succumbed to his injuries.
"There are no words that can fill the void left by this loss," said Colonel Luke Stover, 341st Maintenance Group commander. "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."
Col. Daniel Voorhies, the 341st Missile Wing commander, said, “The loss of Daris Benally weighs heavily on many of us. Moments like this effect everyone differently, and it’s important we take care of ourselves and each other. If you’re struggling, don’t carry it alone, lean on your teammates and reach out for support.”
A GoFundMe has been created to help the family; it reads, in part:
Daris was unique, playfully awkward, with a sense of humor only we could truly appreciate, but he was capable of a love that knew no bounds. He was starting to explore a life outside of our little 6 membered family. dreaming of traveling the world, experiencing different powwows while riding his bike, and building a family after his service was complete.
Click here if you would like to donate.
The crash is being investigated by the Great Falls Police Department.
We will update you if we get more information.
(UPDATE, APRIL 10, 2:19 p.m.) Officials at Malmstrom Air Force Base said in a news release that the person who died was an active-duty airman assigned to Malmstrom.
The agency says that the person's name is being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.
We will update you when we get more information.
(UPDATE, APRIL 10, 12:47 pm) The GFPD says the driver of the black SUV has been in contact with O'Brien, who said the driver cleared up a few questions he had about the crash.
(APRIL 10, 2026) A motorcyclist died in a crash in Great Falls on Thursday, April 9, 2026, and police are asking for witnesses to help with the investigation.
The Great Falls Police Department says it happened at about 3:10 p.m. at the intersection of Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW.
The motorcycle driver was taken to Benefis Health System and died.
Crash investigator O'Brien would like to talk to anyone in the area when the crash occurred who may have captured it on dashcam or by other means.
O'Brien believes the driver in the vehicle in the photo above – possibly a Jeep – likely witnessed the crash and would like to get that person’s account of what happened.
Police emphasized that the driver is not suspected in any way of being involved in the crash, just a witness. They also emphasized that this was not a hit-and-run crash.
If you have any of the requested information above, or any other information that may assist in this investigation, please call O'Brien at 406-781-8932 or send a private message to the GFPD on their Facebook page.
The GFPD said: “We will not release any further information, including the name of the decedent. Sheriff Slaughter of the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner's Office may release that information when he deems it appropriate.”
(APRIL 9, 2026) Emergency crews are at the scene of a vehicle collision in Great Falls on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The Great Falls Police Department said at about 3:40 p.m. that the crash scene is along Third Street NW near the intersection with 16th Avenue NW, which is near the Valvoline oil change shop.
According to the GFPD, it is a "serious injury crash."
Initial reports indicate that two vehicles are involved.
There is no word at this point on whether anyone has been seriously injured, nor the type of vehicles involved.
Several lanes of traffic will be closed for some time.
Drivers are asked to follow instructions of emergency personnel at the scene
