River searched after man goes over bridge

Authorities conducted a search of the Flathead River Wednesday evening after a man reportedly went over the Old Steel Bridge in Evergreen and fell into the river.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, witnesses claimed to have seen the man at around 7 p.m. on top of the bridge with multiple other people who allegedly fled the scene after the man went over.

The grandson of one of the witnesses allegedly saw the man fall in and followed him down river before losing sight of him.

Curry said the scene was being handled as a potential crime scene but there is currently no evidence to suggest foul play. The people the man was with have not yet been identified or located.

Two Bear Air, Evergreen Fire and Rescue, Flathead Search and Rescue, Montana Highway Patrol and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office had personnel combing the river for any sign of the man.

Witnesses said the man looked to be in his late 50s or early 60s, about 5 feet 8 inches, with a gray stubbly beard and slender build.

As of 10 p.m. deputies were still interviewing witnesses.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.