KALISPELL — A family leaving a baby shower on Sunday, December 1, 2024, near Bigfork was hit head-on by a driver attempting to pass in a no-passing zone on Montana Highway 83.
The impact of the crash killed Wyatt Potts instantly. His fiancé Teressa Brandt was hurt so badly that she's fighting for her life right now. Her teenage daughter was also critically injured.
Dal Jensen Segall of Corvallis, accused of driving drunk and causing the crash, appeared in court on Monday on four felony counts.
Segall, 41 years old, is facing one felony charge for vehicular homicide while under the influence, and three felony charges of negligent vehicular assault.
He was in Flathead County Justice Court Monday where his bail was raised from $150,000 to $500,000.
“I am heavily concerned with community safety, as well as some lack of ties to the community, along with what appears to be an ongoing issue with substance abuse and driving,” said Judge Paul Sullivan in Flathead County Justice Court.
Segall is accused of passing a vehicle in a no-passing zone, causing the head-on collision.
Court documents state that a Montana Highway Patrol trooper noted Segall smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes at the crash scene.
Segall admitted to being the driver of the vehicle and drinking alcohol at the Garden Bar in Bigfork before driving.
Segall remains in the Flathead County Detention Center. He is due back in court on January 9, 2025.
Two GoFundMe accounts have been created — one raising money for Wyatt’s funeral expenses, and another funds for Teressa’s and Ashtyn’s medical expenses.
