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Body of missing man found below dam observation lookout

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POLSON – The body of 26-year-old Kyle Butterhof of Polson was located Tuesday, Feb. 27 by Two Bear Air on the cliffside below the SKQ Dam observation lookout. A search for Butterhof had been underway following a missing person/welfare check request called in by a family member on Friday, Feb. 23. According to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, family members became concerned when Butterhof couldn’t be reached on his phone.

According to Bell, Energy Keepers personnel noticed Butterhof’s vehicle at the dam on Saturday, Feb. 25. As people frequently recreate in the area, vehicles aren’t noted as abandoned for 24 hours. When Energy Keepers reported the vehicle in same the location the following day, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was alerted.

Following a three-day search by ground crews and four drones, Two Bear Air located and retrieved Butterhof’s body on Feb. 27. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation by the Lake County Coroner’s Office and the State Medical Examiner following an autopsy at the Montana State Crime Lab. No foul play is suspected.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell thanked Two Bear Air for their assistance during difficult weather conditions.

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