Missing C-Falls man found dead in North Dakota

Williston, North Dakota, police found a body on Friday that is believed to be Brandon Barnes, formerly of Columbia Falls, who was reported missing Thursday morning.

According to a press release issued by the Williston Police Department, tire tracks were found in the White Bridge Area northeast of Williston, and a search of the area found a motor vehicle in the Little Muddy River that matched the vehicle owned by Barnes. A body was found shortly after, which Williston Police confirmed is believed to be Barnes, who was 29.

Barnes attended Columbia Falls High School and was working as a wireline operator in Williston, according to his Facebook page.

Kara Krause, Barnes’ mother and a Flathead County resident, said she heard from the wife of one of Barnes’ co-workers Wednesday evening saying he hadn’t been to work. Wednesday was Krause’s birthday and she hadn’t heard from him.

“I thought it was odd,” Krause said, adding that she and Barnes talked regularly.

Barnes’ body has been transported to the North Dakota state medical examiner, and police have not issued any statement yet as to cause of death.