Malmstrom Air Force Base airman killed in a car crash identified

UPDATE: April 13, 2026 at 7:16 a.m.

The airman assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base who died in an "off-base vehicle accident," according to the 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs spokesperson, was identified as 24-year-old Daris Benally from Rapid City, South Dakota.

The car crash is under investigation by the Great Falls Police Department.

"There are no words that can fill the void left by this loss," 341st Maintenance Group Commander Colonel Luke Stover said in a press release. "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."

Benally was a missile handler on the 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron.

"The loss of Daris Benally weighs heavily on many of us," 341st Missile Wing Commander Colonel Daniel Voorhies said. "Moments like this affect everyone differently, and it's important we take care of ourselves and each other."

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – An airman assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base died in a car crash on Thursday, according to the 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the airman was killed in an “off-base vehicle accident” around 3:12 p.m. He was transported to the Benefis Health System by first responders and was pronounced dead, the spokesperson said.

Article originally published April 10, 2026 at 2:50 p.m.