“Tireless advocate” for Shoshone-Bannock Tribes identified as victim in fatal I-15 semi-truck crash

UPDATED: MARCH 30, 2026

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are mourning the loss of William “Bill” F. Bacon, a longtime Tribal Judge and "tireless advocate" who passed away in a crash near Pocatello on Thursday, March 26. The Bannock County coroner's office has confirmed Bacon was the victim in Thursday's fatal passenger car vs. semi crash along I-15.

Tribal Leadership says Bacon will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to guide and benefit the Tribes for generations to come. Bacon is remembered for 37 years of transformative service to the Tribes.

Crash Details

According to ISP, the crash took place at 7:12 AM on Interstate 15 at mile marker 69. Police say Bacon was traveling north on I-15, driving a 2002 Nissan Altima. At the same time, a 2003 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer, driven by a 39-year-old male from Utah, was traveling southbound on I-15.

Police say Bacon's Nissan Altima left the roadway, crossed through the median, and collided with the semi-truck head-on. Bacon was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene of the crash.

“My deepest condolences go out to Mr. Bacon’s family, friends, and the community whose lives he impacted in Southeast Idaho,” said Coroner Torey Danner.

The crash is under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

RELATED: Pocatello man killed in head-on collision with semi-truck on I-15

A "Steadfast Protector" of Tribal Rights

Bacon’s career was defined by his commitment to tribal sovereignty, serving 24 years as General Counsel and 12 years as Tribal Judge.

In a Facebook post, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal leadership shared several of Bacon's notable achievements, characterizing him as a "steadfast protector" of Tribal rights. Alongside his legal team, he secured landmark victories that fundamentally reshaped the legal landscape for Indigenous people.

• Restoring Treaty Rights: Bacon played a pivotal role in the U.S. Supreme Court effort that overturned the 1896 Ward v. Racehorse decision, restoring off-reservation hunting and fishing rights denied since Idaho's statehood. Tribal leadership says he also successfully defended those rights in multiple Idaho Supreme Court challenges.
• The FMC Landmark Case: He served as counsel in the historic FMC Corporation litigation regarding hazardous waste storage. To this day, Tribal leadership says it remains unique in U.S. legal history as the only one to satisfy both Montana exceptions for tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians.
• Tribal Independence: Bacon also secured a multi-million-dollar fuel tax victory, further supporting the Tribes' fiscal independence.

A graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Idaho, Bacon was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar Association and, in 2023, received the Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Attorney award.

Beyond the courtroom, Bacon deeply embraced Shoshone-Bannock culture, participating in traditional sweat lodge and sundance ceremonies. In a statement released Friday, Tribal leadership expressed deep gratitude for Bacon’s lifetime of dedication.

“Bill Bacon’s legacy is written in restored treaty rights, protected sovereignty, and resources secured for our people through his leadership and collaboration with his legal team,” said Chairwoman Donna Thompson. “He has been more than counsel—he has been a steadfast guardian of our future and a dear friend of the Tribes.”

Bill Bacon is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters.