Montana Man’s Death First Thought To Be Grizzly Mauling, Now Suspected Murder
The tragic death of a Montana man at a remote campsite, initially thought to be caused by a grizzly bear attack, is now being investigated as a homicide, according to authorities.
Dustin Kjersem, 35, a resident of the Belgrade-Bozeman area, was last seen on the afternoon of October 10, 2024, when he headed to camp at a secluded location near Big Sky, Montana. Sometime between that evening and the following morning, Kjersem was brutally killed, as confirmed by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
Found Dead in His Tent
A friend, who had arranged to meet Kjersem at the campsite, discovered his body around 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, in his tent, located approximately 2.5 miles up the Moose Creek trail. Initially, the friend reported the death as a fatal bear mauling.
However, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) officers investigated the scene and found no fresh signs of bear activity. Sheriff Dan Springer later announced that Kjersem had been “brutally killed” and the case was now considered a homicide. The autopsy revealed that Kjersem had suffered multiple chop wounds, ruling out an animal attack.
Loved Ones Seek Justice
Authorities are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen Kjersem’s vehicle, a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black topper and a silver aluminum ladder rack, during the time of the suspected murder.
Meanwhile, Kjersem’s family and friends are mourning his untimely death. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with funeral expenses and to provide support for his children, though the campaign does not specify how many children he leaves behind.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community is grappling with the shock of this violent and heartbreaking loss.
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