Remains of missing Polson man discovered in Missoula County

A search and rescue team discovered the body of a Polson man April 15 near the Garnet Ghost Town in Missoula County, according to a press release issued Thursday by Lake County Sheriff Don Bell.

Ben J. Griffing, 62, was reported missing Feb. 3, and a Missing Endangered Person Advisory was issued on behalf of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At the time, it was reported that Griffing was last seen Jan. 18 in Polson leaving for a skiing and winter camping trip to the Pioneer Mountains near Dillon. Authorities later reported someone had contact with Griffing in Missoula on Jan. 22.

Griffing’s vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Avalon, was located at the Garnet Ghost Town parking area off of Highway 200 on April 1. An initial search of the immediate area was conducted by Lake County deputies, in conjunction with a Missoula County Sheriff’s detective and a BLM ranger, but no sign of Griffing was found.

A backpack was discovered by shed hunters on April 14 in an area 2 miles from Griffing’s vehicle. A subsequent intensive search conducted by Missoula Search and Rescue located Griffing’s remains on April 15.

The Missoula County Coroner’s Office is investigating the cause and manner of death. However, no foul play is suspected.