A Kalispell man is headed to prison after hitting another motorist head-on, killing his passenger and the other driver.

Joseph Powell was sentenced Tuesday in Flathead District Court to 30 years in the Montana State Prison for each of two charges of vehicular homicide while under the influence. The sentences will run concurrently.

Powell was drinking at Del’s Bar on the evening of Oct. 17, 2013, before leaving in his vehicle, eventually crossing into the southbound lane of U.S. 93 near Fir Terrace, colliding head-on with a pickup truck.

The driver of that truck, 43-year-old Brian Delaney of Kalispell, was killed instantly. Powell’s 43-year-old passenger Patrick Moulton was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center before succumbing to his injuries.

Powell suffered a broken arm and dislocated right hip.

Moulton, whose blood-alcohol level was very low, was supposed to be the designated driver that night before the drunken Powell chose to drive.

To be eligible for parole, Powell must complete the Knights program under the Warm Springs Addiction, Treatment and Change program.

The 180-day program is designed for offenders convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence. It includes addressing offenders’ justification of their actions, recognizing the ripple impact of homicide in the community and taking accountability for their actions before speaking to and mentoring others in the program.

In addition to the prison sentence, District Judge Ted Lympus ordered Powell to pay $5,473 in restitution.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].