Montana DUI driver who killed Canadian cyclist is ‘very sorry’

A tragic incident that claimed the life of Canadian cyclist Cameron Jaeger in Montana ended with Darlene R. Severin, 46, being sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 20 years suspended. On Wednesday, the court delivered the verdict after emotional testimonies from Jaeger’s loved ones and Severin’s own family, according to a report by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

On April 27, 2024, Severin was driving under the influence near Clancy, Montana. and hit the 36-year-old cyclist. Prosecutors said her blood alcohol level was a staggering 0.233, nearly three times the legal limit.

Fled the scene

Furthermore, she was speeding at 125 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. Data from her vehicle showed she applied the brakes only 0.06 seconds before the fatal collision. Despite her nursing experience and a 20-year military career, Severin fled the scene without providing any medical assistance. She was eventually tracked down by the cops.

The courtroom was filled with emotion during the sentencing hearing. “Why didn’t you stop?” Jaeger’s family members asked through tears.

Sandy Jaeger, Cameron’s mother, described the devastating impact of losing her son. “She hit him so hard that the only organs left to donate were his eyes,” said Conrad, Cameron’s brother.

Clutching a photo of her son and a small yellow bottle containing his ashes, Sandy added, “That’s my boy.”

A true outdoorsman

Cameron Jaeger, a Canmore native, was remembered as a Renaissance man—an avid outdoorsman, firefighter, and someone who was preparing to marry his fiancée, Kayleigh Montgomery, that summer. “From swimming to rock and ice climbing, skiing of every kind, biking, hunting and fishing, Cam enjoyed and excelled at any activity he pursued,” his obituary read.

“We will never be whole again,” his mother said, recounting the ache that haunts family gatherings.

An apology not well-received

The defence presented 22 letters of support for Severin, highlighting her contributions to her community and expressing her remorse. Severin’s mother, Rachel Palmbers, apologized on behalf of the family, saying, “We mourn with you.” Addressing the Jaeger family directly, Severin tearfully vowed to honour Cameron’s memory by joining Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and advocating against impaired driving. “I pray for you every day,” she said.

But the Jaeger family remained unconvinced. The grief in the room was palpable, and Sandy Jaeger’s parting words reflected their enduring pain: “I hope you breathe it every day, Darlene.”

Judge Luke Berger emphasized the severity of the crime, sentencing Severin to 10 years in prison and ordering $11,800 in restitution for Jaeger’s burial expenses. “Had you been sober, this would have been a different situation,” the judge said.

The sentencing closed a heartbreaking chapter for the Jaeger family, leaving a lingering question: “Why didn’t you stop?”