Michelle Cowan now says the accident that killed her husband on March 30 was caused by a drunk driver. Cowan obtained a copy of the accident report which shows the driver of the vehicle,Linda Therien, that ran into her husband had a blood alcohol level of nearly twice the legal limit.

Accident investigators originally believed Therien may have crossed the center line on the road as a result of a medical condition.

Channel Six also learned Therien had been drinking all day at the Koo-Zee lounge. The bartender who served Therien says she did not think Therien was drunk when she left the bar.

The State Patrol says 51-year-old Linda Therien of Bennington was driving a pickup that crossed the center line along Highway 36 and 102nd Street around 7 p.m. and crashed into a minivan driven by 55-year-old Joseph Cowan of Council Bluffs.

“He would want me to dwell on the positive things of his life.” Just thinking of her husband makes it hard for Michelle Cowan to contain her emotions. This new revelation makes her husband's death even more difficult.

"Joe was a good man, hard working family, he never missed any of his daughter’s sporting events or school events. We're going to miss him."
Both drivers were dead at the scene. Investigators could not determine if Therien was wearing a seat belt, but say Cowan did have one on.

Channel 6 News checked drivers’ speed along the highway and found most were right at or near the limit. Numerous residents say speed is a concern along with drivers passing, the lack of street lights and a clearly marked intersection.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department says there is not a history on that stretch of road, but it will be giving it special attention for the next few weeks to see if there are traffic issues.