Man's death ruled accidental

The death of a man at a home near Columbia Falls has been ruled accidental.

Flathead County Sheriff's deputies found Stuart Nuss, 57, on Dec. 27 at a Mooring Meadow Road home. Nuss was an enginering equipment operator in Glacier National Park from January 2004 to March 2006.

The body was taken to the state crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy. Sheriff Mike Meehan said the death was ruled an accident.

Nuss apparently slipped and fell, suffering a skull fracture. There was a large amount of blood found at the scene, which was the result of hemorrhaging through the man's nose. He also suffered hypothermia.

Deputies conducted a welfare check at his home after his wife contacted the Sheriff's Office from Oregon. She had been unable to reach him since Dec. 24.

Investigators obtained a warrant to enter the residence sometime after 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 27. Police found Nuss in his garage.