Driver Sued In Woman’s Death

The driver convicted of killing a woman in a head-on collision is being sued for more than $75,000.

The family of Darlene King filed suit in Kootenai County District Court last week against Michael Opland. The family is seeking damages for loss of King and for the car that was wrecked in the January 1996 accident on Idaho Highway 41.

Opland was attempting to pass five cars on the icy highway and drove his truck into King’s vehicle. After the accident King’s husband, Bob, suffered a stroke.

Opland was convicted of vehicular manslaughter last November. In December, Opland was sentenced to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. He may be eligible for work release after six months.

The jury reduced the charge to a misdemeanor, making the year of jail time the maximum possible. , DataTimes