Columbia Falls man pleads guilty in fatal crash that killed doctor

A Columbia Falls man on Friday admitted driving drunk, crashing his vehicle on North Fork Road and killing a Nebraska cardiologist in June 2015.

Matthew Michael Hollo, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular homicide while under the influence.

“I accept full responsibility of the matters,” Hollo said in a faint voice after entering a guilty plea. “Of drinking and driving that I did on June 6 of last year and the death of Mr. Fangman.”

Hollo’s vehicle hit an oncoming vehicle driven by Timothy R. Fangman, 68, of Omaha, Nebraska. Fangman was declared dead at the scene the crash, which occurred near the Columbia Falls viaduct. Fangman was a noted cardiologist.

Prosecutor Alison Howard said Fangman’s family wants to come from Nebraska to the sentencing.

“Some of his children would like to be present at sentencing,” Howard said.

Defense attorney Paul Ryan said he intends to present several character references via written letters at sentencing.

“I think there will also be some critical live testimony,” Ryan predicted.

Ryan also might call Hollo’s addiction counselor and employer to the witness stand. Hollo has been in chemical dependency counseling since the day of the crash, Ryan said.

The plea agreement calls for a 30-year sentence to the Montana State Prison with 20 years suspended.

Flathead District Judge Robert Allison made sure Hollo understands that he is not bound by the agreement at sentencing.

“I could impose a different sentence than what the plea agreement calls for,” Allison said.

Sentencing was set for April 5.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.