Man who disappeared in river considered to be homicide victim

The disappearance of a man in the Flathead River near the Old Steel Bridge Wednesday night is being considered a homicide by the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

The man was swept away in the Flathead River before he was seen slipping under the surface at around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

According to witnesses, the unknown victim, described as a man in his 50s or 60s, was initially with three other individuals at the Old Steel Bridge prior to him being seen in the river. Those three later fled the scene in an older maroon minivan with local plates. One witness said he saw the man fall into the river from the bridge.

The suspects were described as a heavyset female in her late teens or early 20s with long dark hair and blond tips, a thin male in his late teens or early 20s wearing dark baggy clothing, and a man of average build in his late teens or early 20s wearing baggy pants. None of the suspects have 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, but the victim’s body has not been found as of Thursday morning.

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.

Anyone with any information on the identity of the victim or suspects, or anyone who may have witnessed the event is asked to contact the Flathead County Sheriff Detective Division at 758-5600.