IDAHO FALLS —Authorities in Bonneville County have charged 20-year-old Octavio Daniel Ortega-Avila with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter following a deadly crash in May that claimed the life of 61-year-old Doris Prine. The tragic incident, which unfolded on May 9, has now led to serious criminal charges that could carry a lengthy prison sentence if Ortega-Avila is found guilty.
Details of the Charges
Court documents reveal that prosecutors filed the primary felony count of vehicular manslaughter along with two alternatives. The first alternative alleges that Ortega-Avila fell asleep at the wheel with gross negligence, an offense that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. If no gross negligence is found and the case establishes he simply fell asleep prior to the crash, the penalty could be up to one year in prison.
However, the overarching charge of vehicular manslaughter carries the most severe potential consequence—up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The Crash
Around 3 p.m. on May 9, deputies with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 5th East and 97th North off Lewisville Highway after reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. Both vehicles had rolled, and multiple witnesses phoned dispatchers.
When deputies arrived, they found an upside-down red pickup truck—identified as Ortega-Avila’s vehicle—south of a scuff mark on the road. A green Kia, driven by Doris Prine, had come to rest on its side north of the same scuff mark. Tire tracks showed that the pickup had veered off the road into the opposite lane before colliding with the Kia.
One witness reported seeing the red pickup drift into oncoming traffic and strike the Kia, then watched as Ortega-Avila appeared to be ejected from the truck during the violent impact.
Victim Identified
Responding deputies and paramedics found Doris Prine, 61, inside the Kia. Her husband later told investigators he had been on the phone with her at the time of the crash, recalling that her final words were, “Oh s**,”* followed by the sound of a loud crash.
Despite bystanders and deputies attempting to render aid—including CPR—Prine was pronounced dead at the scene. She had been wearing her seatbelt.
Suspect Taken to Hospital
Ortega-Avila was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. During an interview with investigators, he admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day and suggested he may have fallen asleep before the crash. He consented to a blood draw, which is part of the ongoing investigation.
Court Proceedings
Ortega-Avila has now been formally charged and is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Kent Gauchay for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.
Authorities emphasize that while charges have been filed, Ortega-Avila is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Community Impact
The sudden loss of Doris Prine has deeply affected her family and the Idaho Falls community. Friends and loved ones have described her as a caring, devoted woman whose life was tragically cut short.
The case underscores the dangers of impaired or drowsy driving and the devastating consequences that can follow. Law enforcement officials have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, stressing that even momentary lapses of attention can result in irreversible tragedy.
If convicted of vehicular manslaughter, Ortega-Avila could spend up to 15 years in prison, a stark reminder of the heavy consequences tied to reckless decisions on the road.