Update Sept. 2
Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder identified the drowning victim as 49-year-old Jason Sims of Billings.
Linder said there is no indication of foul play.
A witness reported that she was with Sims when he slipped and was swept away while wading in the river. The witness called for help and remained at the scene, Linder said.
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Update 7:40 p.m.
Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder said the body pulled from the Yellowstone River on Monday appears to be a victim of accidental drowning.
Watch video from the scene:
A witness who reported the incident said the victim was wading into the water near Duck Creek bridge when he was pulled into the current.
Pilot Gary Blain, who was responding to another incident in Stillwater County, spotted the body on a gravel bed from his helicopter, Linder said.
The body was recovered by helicopter.
Authorities will make a final determination on cause of death after the medical examiner looks at the body, Linder said.
Additional reporting from Russ Riesinger, Q2 News
First report
Yellowstone County crews are working to recover a body from the Yellowstone River near the Duck Creek bridge.
Watch video from scene:
Sheriff Mike Linder says one of the sheriff’s helicopter pilots was returning from a search and rescue mission in Stillwater County when he spotted the body floating near a sandbar. The pilot called for help, and deputies responded to the scene.
Linder says additional equipment is being brought in to lift the body from the river. He adds the county is not aware of any missing persons connected to the river at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
