Missoula

Body found in Lower Clark Fork ID'd as Missoula drowning victim

Posted: Jul 9, 2012 8:25 AM by Dennis Bragg - MTN News

MISSOULA- Investigators say they've confirmed that the man found in the waters of the Lower Clark Fork River in Alberton Gorge last week was the victim who drowned after jumping in the river in Missoula several weeks ago.

The 19-year old disappeared back in mid-May when he vanished after jumping off the Madison Street Bridge with a friend while they were swimming in the river. The woman jumped first and made it to shore and then saw the victim struggling in the water before he disappeared. An extensive search downstream failed to turn up any sign of the man.

A fisherman spotted a man's body in the river north of Fish Creek on June 30th and the remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Missoula for an autopsy and an identification.

The Missoula County Sheriff's Office announced Monday morning that dental records have clearly identified the man as the same one who disappeared in May. His name isn't being released at the request of the family. Missoula Police said earlier he was from out-of-state.