Malmstrom Air Force Base Airman Daris Benally, 24, Killed in Off-Base Motorcycle Crash in Great Falls, Montana – 341st Missile Wing Commander Col. Daniel Voorhies and Col. Luke Stover Pay Tribute.

A Heartbreaking Loss in the Treasure State

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — The airmen of Malmstrom Air Force Base woke up on Friday, April 10, 2026, to news that no military community ever wants to hear: one of their own was gone. Airman 1st Class Daris Benally, a 24-year-old missile handler originally from Rapid City, South Dakota, had been killed the previous afternoon in a traumatic off-base vehicle crash at a busy intersection in Great Falls.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, involved a motorcycle and another vehicle near Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW. Despite the swift response of first responders and emergency medical personnel, Benally was transported to Benefis Health System where he was later pronounced dead. His passing has sent shockwaves not only through the 341st Missile Wing but throughout the entire Great Falls community, where the relationship between the base and the surrounding city is deeply intertwined.

As the Great Falls Police Department continues its active investigation, those who knew Benally best have come forward to remember a young man who was described as far more than a uniformed service member. He was a friend, a teammate, and a loved one who dedicated his short but meaningful life to serving his country.

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A Promising Life Cut Devastatingly Short

At just 24 years old, Daris Benally was already making a significant impact within the ranks of the United States Air Force. Assigned to the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron, he held the critical role of a missile handler—a position that requires immense technical skill, discipline, and attention to detail. These specialists are responsible for the maintenance, installation, and removal of intercontinental ballistic missiles, ensuring that the nation’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, and effective 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Though his job was serious and high-stakes, those who worked alongside him say Benally never lost his warmth or his humanity. Fellow airmen recall him as the kind of person who was always willing to lend a hand, whether it was helping a new airman learn the ropes or simply offering a word of encouragement at the end of a long shift. He took his oath seriously, but he never took himself too seriously, balancing professionalism with an approachable and kindhearted demeanor.

Hailing from Rapid City, South Dakota, Benally carried the values of the Black Hills region with him wherever he went. Friends remember him as someone who loved the outdoors, who appreciated the vast skies of Montana, and who was proud to serve at Malmstrom, a base known for its unique mission and its challenging weather. He had found a home among the missile fields of central Montana, and in return, he gave everything he had to the mission.

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The Details of the Crash

The accident occurred during the busy afternoon commute in Great Falls, a city of approximately 60,000 residents that serves as the civilian hub for Malmstrom Air Force Base. According to dispatch reports and initial police statements, the crash took place just after 3 p.m. near the intersection of Third Street NW and 16th Avenue NW——an area that includes local businesses and sees steady traffic flow.

Emergency crews, including Great Falls Fire Rescue and Great Falls Emergency Services, rushed to the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a motorcycle and another vehicle involved in the collision, and initial law enforcement communications classified the incident as a “serious injury crash”. Both lanes of traffic in the area were closed for an extended period as investigators from the Great Falls Police Department and crash reconstruction specialists documented the scene, collected evidence, and worked to determine the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.

Despite the valiant efforts of medical personnel, Benally succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Benefis Health System. The loss was immediate, profound, and devastating.

At this stage of the investigation, officials have not released the name of the other driver involved, nor have they indicated whether charges are pending. The Great Falls Police Department has stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional details will be released as they become available.

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A Community in Mourning

The news of Benally’s death spread quickly through the ranks of the 341st Missile Wing, a unit that prides itself on its cohesion and mutual support. For the men and women who serve alongside him, the loss was deeply personal.

In an official statement released by the 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office, Colonel Luke Stover, commander of the 341st Maintenance Group, spoke of the void left behind.

“There are no words that can fill the void left by this loss,” Col. Stover said. “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”.

Colonel Stover’s words reflected a reality that is often difficult for civilians to fully grasp: in the military, the bonds between service members transcend rank and role. They are forged in shared sacrifice, in long hours, and in the knowledge that the mission requires absolute trust in one another. When an airman falls, it is not just a statistic; it is a brother or sister who will never again walk through the doors of the squadron.

The grief did not stop with the Maintenance Group. Colonel Daniel Voorhies, commander of the 341st Missile Wing, also released a powerful statement acknowledging the weight of the tragedy and the importance of leaning on one another in times of crisis.

“The loss of Daris Benally weighs heavily on many of us,” Col. Voorhies said. “Moments like this affect 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”.

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Support for Grieving Airmen

In the wake of the crash, Malmstrom Air Force Base has mobilized its support resources to help airmen and their families process the trauma of losing one of their own. The base’s Chapel Corps, Military and Family Readiness Center, and mental health services are all available to provide confidential counseling and support.

Military leadership has also encouraged airmen to check in on one another, to watch for signs of distress, and to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The Air Force has long recognized that grief can manifest in many ways—anger, withdrawal, depression, or difficulty sleeping—and that early intervention is critical.

For many young airmen stationed far from their hometowns, the base becomes a second family. The loss of Benally has hit especially hard among the younger enlisted ranks, many of whom looked up to him as a peer and a friend. Informal memorials have already begun to take shape, with airmen gathering to share stories, to laugh, and to cry.

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A City United in Grief

Beyond the gates of Malmstrom, the city of Great Falls has also felt the impact of Benally’s death. The relationship between the base and the surrounding community is unusually close, with many current and former service members living in neighborhoods throughout the city. Local businesses, restaurants, and community organizations have expressed their condolences, and flags have been lowered at several municipal buildings in his honor.

The crash, which took place at a well-known intersection, has also prompted renewed conversations about traffic safety in the area. Local residents have taken to social media to express their sorrow and to share concerns about the intersection where the accident occurred. The Great Falls Police Department has not yet released any findings regarding road conditions, signage, or visibility, but the incident has drawn attention to the need for continued vigilance on the city’s roads.

In a small but powerful gesture, local residents have begun leaving flowers and small tributes near the crash site, a quiet acknowledgment of a life lost and a family forever changed.

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The Investigation Continues

As of now, the Great Falls Police Department remains the lead investigative agency for the crash. Authorities have not yet released a final report, nor have they indicated whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the collision. It is also unclear whether the other driver involved remained at the scene or cooperated with investigators.

The 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office has directed all media inquiries to local law enforcement and has asked for patience as the investigation unfolds. In the meantime, the base is focusing its energy on supporting the airmen who are grieving and on ensuring that Benally’s family receives the resources and assistance they need during this unimaginably difficult time.

Those who wish to contact the base directly with questions or offers of support may reach the 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office at 406-731-4050 or via email at 341mwpa@us.af.mil.

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Honoring His Memory

For those who wish to honor Airman 1st Class Daris Benally, his family and fellow airmen have suggested several meaningful ways to pay tribute:

1. Reach out to a service member. Whether you know someone currently serving or a veteran who has returned home, take a moment to thank them for their sacrifice. Benally’s death is a stark reminder of the risks that service members face, even when far from the battlefield.
2. Support military families. Consider donating to organizations that support the families of fallen service members, such as the Air Force Aid Society or the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) .
3. Drive safely. Benally’s life was cut short in a traffic accident. Honor his memory by practicing defensive driving, avoiding distractions behind the wheel, and looking out for motorcyclists and pedestrians.
4. Share a memory. If you knew Daris Benally, share a story, a photo, or a kind word. Keeping his memory alive through the words of those who loved him is one of the most powerful tributes possible.
5. Check on your own loved ones. Grief can be isolating. If someone you know has recently lost a loved one, reach out. A phone call, a text message, or a simple visit can make all the difference.

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A Life of Service, A Legacy of Love

Airman 1st Class Daris Benally came to Malmstrom Air Force Base with a commitment to serve his country, protect his fellow citizens, and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Air Force. He fulfilled that commitment every single day, whether he was performing the complex duties of a missile handler or simply being a friend to those around him.

He was a son of South Dakota, a member of the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron, and a young man with a bright future ahead of him. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 24, but his impact will be felt for years to come in the memories of the airmen who served alongside him, the community that embraced him, and the family that loved him.

To the family of Daris Benally — his parents, his siblings, his extended relatives, and all who held him dear — the entire Malmstrom community and the people of Great Falls stand with you. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, a brother, or a loved one. But please know that Daris was respected, admired, and deeply loved. His service mattered. His life mattered. And he will never be forgotten.

To the airmen of the 341st Missile Wing — hold the line, but hold each other, too. Grieve together, remember together, and continue the mission in his honor. Daris would want you to take care of one another.

To the Great Falls community — continue to wrap your arms around the men and women who serve at Malmstrom. They are your neighbors, your friends, and your protectors. Today, they need you.

Rest in peace, Airman 1st Class Daris Benally.
Your watch is over. We have the watch now.

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Memorial Information

As of this publication, funeral arrangements for Airman 1st Class Daris Benally have not been announced. His family is expected to release details through a funeral home in Rapid City, South Dakota, his hometown, as well as through the 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office.

The base is expected to hold an official memorial service in the coming weeks, likely at the Malmstrom Air Force Base Chapel. Details will be shared with airmen and the public as soon as they are confirmed.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, depression, or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) or text 838255. For civilian support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Rest easy, Airman. We have the watch.