Authorities ID man who fell in Flathead River

Authorities have identified the body recovered June 27 from the Flathead River near Polson about 10 miles down river from Buffalo Bridge.

The 23-year-old man was identified as Richard Mitchell of Nebraska.

According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell drowned after crossing protective barriers and falling into the river near the SKQ Dam Overlook during a sightseeing trip with friends in early June.

His body was discovered by a fisherman and recovered by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue.

He was identified by his tattoos by the Montana State Crime Lab.