A Browning resident, Douglas Dean McDonald, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following his involvement in a fatal accident on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. This sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
McDonald, aged 29, entered a guilty plea in February 2025 to one count of involuntary manslaughter. The case was presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris.
Court documents revealed that on June 9, 2024, McDonald was driving at 118 mph when he changed lanes and collided with a motorcycle operated by John Doe, who died at the scene. Doe's wife was also on the motorcycle but escaped serious injury.
The couple had been traveling near Browning when they decided to turn around after failing to see any bison. During the U-turn maneuver, McDonald's vehicle struck them as it veered into the westbound lane.
A witness reported arriving shortly after the crash and stated that McDonald and his wife attempted to secure a ride back to Browning. Despite being advised by others present to remain at the scene, McDonald admitted consuming twisted teas and smoking marijuana earlier that day. A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of .02.
Following his consent for a blood draw at the hospital, McDonald tried to flee from law enforcement but was apprehended in the parking lot.
An investigation conducted by Montana Highway Patrol included mapping the crash site and analyzing data from McDonald's vehicle. The findings indicated that if McDonald had adhered to the speed limit of 70 mph, Doe might have completed his U-turn safely.
Toxicology results confirmed that along with alcohol and marijuana, McDonald's system contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, norfentanyl, amphetamine, and gabapentin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley led the prosecution with assistance from various law enforcement agencies including the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
