Man dies after remote Lake County logging accident

By MICHELLE LOVATO

Lake County Leader

Randy Scott Drollinger, 61 of Kalispell, died from injuries sustained when a tree fell on him at a logging camp Monday.

Fellow crew members initiated cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, then called emergency dispatch.

Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department, Alert Air and Polson Ambulance responded to scene.

About half a dozen crew members worked to save Drollinger’s life, but were unable.

“That crew did a heroic job trying to save his life,” Don Bell, Lake County Sheriff said.

The Camp Tuffit Road location was difficult to find. Air responders arrived first and delivered accident location coordinates to ground emergency crews. 

The air rescue crew landed on a nearby ridge.

About 45 minutes passed before the Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department crew arrived. Polson Ambulance was called to return before it reached the scene.

“The camp was in an area that was logged 20 years ago,” Bell said.

The roads leading to the camp were in considerable disrepair, were confusing and hindered emergency responders’ arrival, he said.

Drollinger was later pronounced dead by Lake County Sheriff Deputy Coroner Nathan White.  

The logging camp is located about eight miles south of Lake Mary Ronan.

The name of Drollinger’s employer was not available.