Body of missing boater recovered
the Lake County Sheriff's marine unit was part of five-day search for a missing boater on Flathead Lake near The Narrows. (Courtesy photo)
After nearly five days, divers from Missoula and Flathead County recovered the body of 36-year-old Chad Hansen of Missoula from Flathead Lake.
According to a press release from the Lake County Sheriff, his body was located just north of the Narrows, an area north of Polson Bay in about 75 feet of water. Search efforts consisted of multiple rescue teams, as well as technologies from around the region, including underwater drones.
Hansen had been missing since Friday, June 28, at about 9:41 p.m. when witnesses first reported that he had become separated from his motorboat in the same area where his body was eventually recovered.
In addition to Lake County Search and Rescue, Flathead, Missoula, and Kootenai County, Idaho, sheriff’s offices all lent trained SAR teams and equipment to the days-long effort.
In the press release, Sheriff Don Bell expressed “our most sincere gratitude” to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Peterson, and Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris “for the efforts and expertise” of their respective Search and Rescue teams, as well as Lake County SAR.
Hansen’s body was transported to the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. “The Sheriff’s Office expresses our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hansen,” Bell said.