Woman involved in trooper's death pleads no contest

The driver responsible for the traffic death of Montana Highway Patrol trooper David Graham pleaded no contest Tuesday to one count of careless driving resulting in a death.

Jennirae Bloom, 22, entered her plea in Flathead County Justice Court the same day charges were filed.

"The young lady is very remorseful for what happened," Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan said.

The decision to charge Bloom with careless driving resulting in a death was reached after discussions with Graham's widow and the Highway Patrol, Corrigan said. All parties concerned believe the charge is appropriate, he added.

"It wasn't a negligent homicide," said Corrigan. "She wasn't engaging in that degree of recklessness."

The maximum penalty Bloom faces is six months in the Flathead County Detention Center and a $5,000 fine, but prosecutors are not expected to ask for jail time.

However, Corrigan said a sentence recommendation has yet to be fashioned.

The crash that killed Graham occurred the morning of Oct. 9 on U.S. 2 between Reserve Drive and Rose Crossing approximately two miles northeast of Kalispell.

Bloom was driving a full-sized Dodge pickup truck northbound on U.S. 2 when she crossed over the center turn lane and into oncoming traffic.

As Bloom reached down for something on the floor, her truck drifted four feet into the southbound lane and traveled for some distance there before the collision, according to the Highway Patrol.

Another vehicle, traveling southbound in front of Graham's unmarked Crown Victoria and blocking his view of the road ahead, was able to swerve out of the truck's way.

When Graham was finally able to see the truck, it already was right on top of him and the two vehicles crashed nearly head-on.

Graham, who was on duty at the time, was pronounced dead at the scene. Bloom suffered a broken leg and some minor injuries. Excessive speed or alcohol were not factors in the crash.

Bloom's sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com