Author: Jason Jarrett

On February 4, 27 year old Michael Cottrell, Jr. of Jonesboro, Georgia died of self-inflicted injuries sustained in a fall at the Baxter Hotel.

(Gallatin County, Mont.) The Office of the Sheriff/Coroner identified the victim of the hit and run crash on Stagecoach Trail Saturday as 76 year old Truman Emmelkamp of Manhattan.  Sheriff’s Detectives continue the criminal investigation with Highway Patrol assisting with the crash reconstruction.#####

(Gallatin County, Mont.)

(Gallatin County, Mont.)  Thursday evening at 7:00 911 received a call from a 23 year old mountain biker worried about being dehydrated and thought he might pass out.  The 911 center was not able to pin point his location but knew he was near Sacajawea Peak.  Search and Rescue volunteers were able to contact him by phone and have him use a link sent to his phone to get a better location which turned out to be on the west side of the Bridgers below Sacajawea.  Rescuers hiked up the trail from the Fairy Lake Trailhead to meet up with the biker who was being assisted by two hikers he encountered after the call to 911.  He was severely dehydrated but was able to continue down the trail on his own power.  Search and Rescue personal drove the victim’s vehicle back to Bozeman for him because he did not feel capable of driving.

Sheriff Gookin says,”It is not unusual for people to underestimate the amount of water needed for hiking or biking the Ridge area this time of year.”  Seasoned locals know the dry air, elevation and lack of shade up there requires much more water than you might normally take.  Everyone needs to carry enough provisions for the adventure you are seeking and to remember this is the season of hot temperatures.  He was also like to remind everyone to call for help early before the situation gets dire.

(Gallatin County, Mont.)

On Sunday, July 21^st, around 2:24 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to a backcountry rescue in the Bridger Mountains.  A 24-year-old, who was hiking alone about four miles from the Corbley Gulch Trailhead, injured her ankle.  She was unable to continue on her own power.  She contacted other recreationalists in the area who called search and rescue when they reached cell phone service.

Two motorcyclists, who came across the injured hiker, began driving her towards the trailhead.  They met responding rescue crews on the trail.  The motorcyclists transferred the hiker to rescue personnel, who transported her the rest of the way to the trailhead via a specialized rescue litter.  The hiker was able to drive herself once she was back to her car.

Sheriff Gootkin said “It’s the little things that can get you in the back country.”  Even the most prepared people can find themselves in need of a little help when out getting fresh air and exercise.  He reminds hikers to always tell someone where you are going and when you are expected to return.  We are glad to give people a hand if they have a bad day but we have to know you need it and where you are before we can.

(Gallatin and Park County Mont.)  With a heavy heart, Sheriff Brian Gootkin and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue share that our friend and teammate Travis Swanson lost his life in a climbing accident yesterday on Mount Cowen in Park County. Travis was climbing with fellow SAR members Jackson Negri and Will Hitchcock when rockfall swept Will and Travis downslope. Jackson contacted Park County Sheriff’s Office and Gallatin County SAR teammates, who responded with specialized alpine rescue resources. With Jackson’s help, they were able to rescue Will and recover Travis.  Will is currently at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings with stable injuries.

All three climbers were extricated by GCSAR with able assistance from Park County. The highly complex rescue was executed in a skilled and efficient manner that would have made Travis proud. Travis was a significant contributor to the Alpine and Helicopter rescue teams and we owe a part of the team’s performance to the many efforts that he put into Search & Rescue. He loved spending time with friends doing things that allowed him  to excel at saving others. He demonstrated the highest level of teamwork and commitment. When good days went bad, Travis was always there to help his community.

We thank Park County for allowing us the privilege of being able to recover one of our own. We also thank Park County Sheriff, Search and Rescue, Park County Rural Fire, and Livingston Fire and Rescue for their response.

Dahl’s Funeral Home is organizing memorial arrangements.

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Media Contact: Sheriff Brian Gootkin 582-2125

Photographs courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff

Travis Swanson, by Speed/Coaching + Creative

Travis Swanson during a rescue operation on Granite Peak in 2016.

(Gallatin County, Mont.) The last weekend in June saw 80 Search and Rescue Volunteers spend 285 hours on three incidents. The first incident was Saturday evening when Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Central Valley Fire were dispatched to an injured hiker in the Truman Gulch area.  The 27-year-old Bozeman woman was hiking with her fiancé and dog when she injured her knee.  When she could go no further her fiancé carried her. The terrain eventually became so steep that they could no longer make progress and he went to find help. Rescuers used a wheeled stretcher and rope belays to bring her down to a waiting Central Valley Ambulance, which took her to the hospital.  Sunday afternoon found SAR on the Gallatin River near Gateway, using boats and tracking skills to help Sheriff’s Detectives on a case. Later Sunday evening, three women and their dog had rafted from Spanish Creek past Gallatin Gateway when their raft crashed, spitting two of them and the dog out onto an island that they could not get off and the third onto shore.  Rescuers had limited access to the area and fading daylight but with the help of a landowner were able to get the women and dog back to safety. No injuries were reported. Sheriff Gootkin thanks all the dedicated volunteers who took time from their weekend to help keep people safe and support the active, outdoor lifestyle this community values.

Photo of rescue in Truman courtesy of the Sheriff’s Office

(Gallatin County, Mont.) In the last couple years, two people have died, two have been rescued near death, several have had run-ins with local and federal law enforcement, and one told his wife today he was injured but not where he was. The common denominator is that these people were all near Yellowstone National Park and they were all looking for the Forrest Fenn treasure. Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin has a message for treasure hunters: “You must know that this country is unforgiving if you don’t give it the respect it deserves. Let someone know where you are going – exactly, not some vague geographic area to keep your secret safe – and when you expect to return. Be prepared for the changing weather and wilderness conditions. Many areas have no cell phone service. Mountain streams and rivers are especially dangerous. Bears, snakes, and gravity are found in abundance in our corner of the world. We encourage everyone to vigorously pursue their outdoor passions, but think like a local. Before you go after the treasure, consider your level of skill, preparation and knowledge of the area.  Consider the volunteer hours spent searching if you need to be rescued, and the anxiety of those left at home.”

(Gallatin County, Mont.) Saturday evening at 6:30 Sheriff’s Search and Rescue with Hyalite Fire Department, AMR Ambulance, Reach Air Ambulance and Central Helicopters responded to Practice Rock in Hyalite Canyon for an injured climber.  The 23 year old man from Kalispell suffered a significant head injury when he fell while climbing.  Rescuers from the Alpine Team and Posse along with some very proficient flying from Central Helicopters were able to evacuate the man to medical care in about an hour.  Sheriff Gootkin said,”This was a technically difficult rescue.  We are grateful for the skill of our search and rescue volunteers and the help from other agencies.  It is not easy to get an injured person out of that area but the SAR Team is really good at what they do.”

photo courtesy of the Sheriff’s Office