Bitterroot woman facing vehicular homicide charge after birthday crash kills passenger

A Bitterroot Valley woman is facing up to 30 years in prison after an ATV accident on her birthday killed a passenger riding with her.

Mackenzie Dawn Burt, 33, was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence in Ravalli County Justice Court on Tuesday.

According to charging documents, Burt was driving an ATV eastbound on Christianson Lane east of Stevensville on March 14, 2025, with a 22-year-old passenger when the four-wheeler collided with a steel-pipe fence, launching both women approximately 45 feet into an adjacent pasture.

Christianson Lane ends at Upper Burnt Fork Road, creating a "T" shaped intersection. Burt allegedly drove through the intersection without stopping and was going around 24-36 mph when she hit the steel fence, according to court documents. There was no physical evidence of an attempt to turn at the intersection according to law enforcement.

Both women had reportedly been celebrating Burt’s 32nd birthday earlier in the evening at a nearby residence, about a quarter of a mile from where the crash occurred.

The 22-year-old woman was transported to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula via Life Flight but later died due to a traumatic brain injury suffered in the crash, according to court documents.

A blood sample taken from Burt three hours after the crash showed a .140 blood alcohol level, as well as the presence of a prescription antidepressant medication that comes with warnings not to consume alcohol.

According to Montana law, a person convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence shall be imprisoned for a term not to exceed 30 years or be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, or both. Imposition of a sentence may not be deferred.

No bond was set and Burt was released on her own recognizance.