driver charged with vehicular homicide

Missoula Cyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run

By Matthew Frank, 4-20-07

Fifty-year-old Stacie Ann DeWolf of Missoula was riding her bicycle Thursday night on Toole Avenue in Missoula when she was struck by a vehicle and killed.

The driver of the vehicle, Anthony Dailey, 23, was charged Friday with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, driving without a valid driver’s license, and failure to immediately stop at an accident.

Witnesses allege that Dailey appeared to intentionally swerve to hit DeWolf. Dailey reportedly fled the scene before being located by police near his residence on Cooper Street. There, a breath test showed his blood-alcohol level to be twice the legal limit.

An officer at the scene said it was teamwork between the police and the community that led police to Dailey. She said witnesses offered information about the vehicle, while others reportedly told police “about a guy who was really upset about some accident.” Detective Travis Welsh said the community’s response was “fantastic.”

DeWolf worked for the Forest Service in Missoula.

If convicted, Dailey faces up to 30 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine, the maximum penalty for vehicular homicide while under the influence. He is being held in the Missoula County Jail and his bond has been set at $100,000.

According to the jail roster, Dailey has previously been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.

After the incident, which occurred at about 8:45 Thursday night, two sections of Toole Avenue were taped off; an area where the mangled bicycle lay near the train tracks that bisect Toole Avenue, and the intersection of Toole Avenue and Waverly Street a block away, where the driver knocked to the ground a street sign on the corner before fleeing.

[End of article]
Comment By William Bramwell, 4-20-07

Is there any more information available at this time regarding this accident. I believe the victim is someone I work with, an employee of the USDA Forest Service. I received a phone message about a fatality late this afternoon and have been unable to find out any more. I expect people at the Region 1 Forest Service office are in turmoil regarding this. I don't know how to find out anything.

Comment By Neighbor, 4-21-07

William,

See today's Missoulian article for more details on this accident, including the victim's name: http://missoulian.com/articles/2007/04/21/news/local/news05.txt

Comment By Dan Custer, 4-22-07

Stacie was a very dear friend to me since my college days in Missoula. I'm still in disbelief that this tragedy happened her. She was a beautify person who was kind, considerate, and fun. I'll remember her as a someone who lived with style, but not to excess. I believe she will be missed by everyone who knew her. The world needs more people like Stacie.

I'm now living in Denver and would very much like to know when and where there will be a celebration of her life.

Comment By Serena Carlson, 4-24-07

Enclosed is the information regarding a celebration of Stacie's life.
Please share widely.

Cards can be sent to Stacie's parents at the following addresses:
Betty DeWolf Bill DeWolf
2129 Choteau 2885 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59602 Helena, MT 59602

The Celebration of Stacie's life will be Friday the 27th at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Helena Cathedral in Helena. Reception to follow at the Brondel Center at the Cathedral.

Comment By Matthew Frank, 4-24-07

The following is a note from Serena Carlson:

Here is the information regarding a celebration of Stacie's life. Please share widely.

Cards can be sent to Stacie's parents at the following addresses:

Betty DeWolf
2129 Choteau
Helena, MT 59602

Bill DeWolf
2885 Canyon Ferry Road
Helena, MT 59602

The Celebration of Stacie’s life is Friday the 27th at 10:00a.m. at the St. Helena Cathedral in Helena. Reception to follow at the Brondel Center at the Cathedral.

Thank you.

Comment By Jenny Westlund (Pedersen), 4-25-07

I went to High School with Stacie in Helena where we were good friends. I moved to Portland Oregon and we lost touch. Two weeks ago I looked her up via Google with the intention of contacting her. It has been many years, but she has always been special to me and I feel devastated that I didn't follow through and call her. Stacie was very sincere, kind, fun and trustworthy. I send my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Comment By Serena Carlson, 4-26-07

If people are curious, a memorial fund has been set up in Stacie’s name at the Sustainable Obtainable Solutions (http://www.SO-Solutions.org) PO Box 1424, Helena, MT 59624.

Comment By Anon, 4-26-07

URL for Sustainable Obtainable Solutions should be: http://www.s-o-solutions.org/

Comment By Mariah Anastasi, 10-21-07

Stacie was my family & one the most sweetest people I had ever met. I miss her everyday. I am so deeply saddened by this, it has changed my life. At times I am not sure how 2 move on with in my life. I luv u Stacie.

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