Missing Kalispell man found dead near Marion

A Kalispell man who was reported missing on Jan. 24 was found dead Wednesday, according to Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Sheriff Brian Heino, Brad Becker, 29, was found about 5 miles from his vehicle in the Red Gate Road area near Marion after deputies, Flathead Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air responded to a report of Becker’s pickup being found by mountain lion hunters on a side road on the Hubbard Reservoir.

Initial investigation suggests Becker died due to cold winter temperatures and exposure, according to Heino.

The sheriff said Becker left his vehicle and walked up the road with his 4-month-old puppy. He was found just off the road and the dog had stayed with him.

Heino said there was no reason to suspect foul play because Becker’s tracks were the only ones found in the snow.

“That’s the $10 million question. What was he doing up there? We don’t know at this point,” Heino said.

Heino said the investigation would continue and a toxicology test would be performed.

The dog was found alive and treated by veterinarians and Flathead County Animal Control wardens.