C-Falls man faces prison in cardiologist's death

A Columbia Falls man who allegedly killed a Nebraska man in a drunken head-on collision in Columbia Falls last summer, has agreed to a plea bargain, according to Flathead County court documents. 

Matthew Michael Hollo, 23, signed a plea agreement in December which could give him 10 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea to a charge of vehicular homicide while under the influence. 

Under the agreement with the Flathead County Attorney’s office, Hollo would get 30 years in the Montana State Prison with 20 years suspended with no parole restrictions. Hollo will also be responsible for any fines associated with the felony if he is found by the court to be able to pay. The charge comes with a maximum fine of $50,000.

Hollo will also be able to argue for a lesser sentence. But the court isn’t bound by the plea agreement and would be able to impose a stricter sentence.

The plea agreement also waives Hollo’s rights to testify, call witnesses and be tried by jury.

On June 6, Montana Highway Trooper Thomas Manz arrived at mile marker two on the North Fork Road over the viaduct in Columbia Falls. He found a head-on collision that had occurred at 3 p.m. had killed the northbound driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Timothy R. Fangman, 68, of Omaha, Nebraska was declared dead at the scene. Fangman was a noted cardiologist.

Hollo was the other driver in a Dodge Ram pickup. He was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

According to court documents, Hollo claimed that Fangman had been in his traffic lane.  Hollo swerved into Fangman’s lane to avoid a collision. 

Then Fangman went back to his lane and the vehicles collided.

But Pphysical evidence at the scene didn’t match Hollo’s statements, according to court documents.

The evidence and witness statements lead investigations to conclude that Hollo was driving faster than the 45-mph posted speed limit and that alcohol was involved in the crash.

According to court documents, Hollo indicated he drank alcohol until 3 a.m. that morning, but not since then.

Shortly after the collision his blood was drawn. It tested for a blood alcohol content level of .143, which is .063 over the legal limit.