Blog Post


STATE SENATOR CHARGED WITH FELONY AFTER CRASHING SPEED BOAT INJURING FIVE PASSENGERS

Posted by: James M. Beard
October 09, 2009
Topic: Vessel Crashes & Collisions

The New York Times has reported that Kalispell Republican U.S. Senator Gregory D. Barkus has had felony charges filed against him for the speed boat crash that happened in August, injuring himself, his wife, and four others. The other passengers including Republican Representative Denny Rehberg, his wife, Rehberg staffer Kristen Smith, and State Director Dustin Frost who spent 10 days in a coma and has a brain injury.

After a night of drinking scotch and wine, Barkus crashed the speed boat at a high rate of speed into an embankment.  Barkus was tested two hours following the crash and had a blood-alcohol level of .16, twice the legal limit. The State Senator is accused of recklessly endangerment.