Grand Forks DUI Crash: Fordville Man Gets 6 Years

Grand Forks DUI Crash: Fordville Man Gets 6 Years

Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fordville man has been sentenced to six years in prison for a deadly drunk-driving crash near Grand Forks.

Travis Dean Bell, 45, was sentenced Monday, May 18. He pleaded guilty in January to criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular injury.

The crash happened on June 3, 2024, at Highway 2 and Airport Road. The site is about three miles west of Grand Forks.

Bell rear-ended a vehicle driven by Nicole Louthain. Her 6-year-old daughter, Katarina Louthain, was also inside.

Nicole Louthain suffered serious injuries. Court statements said those injuries include lasting memory loss.

Katarina suffered injuries that later took her life.

Family Describes Lasting Loss

During sentencing, several victim impact statements were read in court. The courtroom included supporters for Bell and the Louthain family.

Robert Louthain spoke about his daughter’s joy, confidence and fearless spirit. He said her life inspired many people after her death.

He said people donated toys to hospitals. Others raised money for her school library. Some also pushed for safety changes at the crash site.

Nicole Louthain asked the court for a 10-year prison sentence. She said true remorse means honesty and accountability.

Judge Cites Alcohol Level

Judge Theodore Sandberg said Bell’s blood alcohol level was tested after 8 p.m.

The results ranged from .13 to .128. The test happened about two hours after the crash.

Sandberg said Bell was likely near .16 at the time of the crash. That is about twice the legal limit.

The judge also questioned Bell’s account of how much he drank that day.

Bell told the court he was sorry for the loss he caused. He said he prayed for the Louthain family.

Bell also said he wished he could take back what happened. He said he hoped peace could come one day.

Sentence Includes Probation

Bell received a 20-year sentence. However, 14 years were suspended.

That leaves six years to serve. He received credit for the three days already served.

After prison, Bell will serve three years of supervised probation. He is banned from alcohol during that time.

If Bell violates probation, he could face more prison time. That could include the suspended 14 years.

More information about North Dakota courts is available through the North Dakota Court System. Drunk-driving safety resources are available through the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.