Missing Missoula man found dead after rock climbing incident

RAVALLI COUNTY, Mont. – A 30-year-old man was found dead by Ravalli County deputies at the bottom of a rock face south of Hamilton.

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office reported the death with a statement from Coroner Steven Holton, explaining that Richard Jeffrey McGowan of Missoula had likely died after accidentally falling while rock climbing.

McGowan had been reported missing on Sunday and Forest Service Law Enforcement found his vehicle early on Tuesday, the sheriff’s office said.

County officers searched the area with the help of drones and a National Guard helicopter from Malstrom Air Force Base. They found McGowan in the Sleeping Child drainage.

“Sheriff Holton also extended the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office’s sincere condolences to Mr. McGowan’s family and friends,” the sheriff’s office wrote.