Man charged with vehicular manslaughter after fatal Jefferson Co. crash
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RIGBY — A 52-year-old man has been charged nearly two months after Gary Thompson, 64, died due to injuries sustained in a rural Jefferson County crash.
A warrant was issued for Timothy P. Kostial on June 14 for a felony vehicular manslaughter charge. The charge stems from the April fatal crash.
Kostial was arrested June 15 and made his first court appearance that afternoon. A public defender was assigned and Kostial was later released to pre-trial services.
Police say Kostial lost control of his 1999 Ford F150 pickup truck around 6:10 p.m. and exited the road, then over-corrected, causing the truck to overturn on North 3950 East near 530 North.
Kostal and his passenger, Thompson, were both ejected from the truck. Police say neither were wearing seat belts and alcohol was believed to be a factor.
Two medical helicopters landed near the crash and each carried a different patient to the hospital. Thomas was pronounced dead the following day and Kostial was listed as in serious condition for several days.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Rigby Police Department and Central Fire District responded to the scene along with Life Flight and Air Idaho.
If found guilty, Kostial faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
