Man found dead near Big Sky, possible homicide investigation

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, a man was found dead in his tent while camping near Big Sky.

First responders initially thought an animal was responsible for the man’s death.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said the death is now being investigated as a homicide.

“We received a call from people who had gone to a campsite looking for a friend, and they located him inside the tent and he was deceased,” Sheriff Springer said.

Various “Beware of Bears” signs are hung around the Moose Creek Road parking lot; Sheriff Springer says it wasn’t an animal that did this.

“So we brought in Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and their bear expert came. He did a survey of the area and didn’t believe it was a bear attack.” Sheriff Springer said.

They are currently awaiting an autopsy report.

“It’s the scene itself that tips it toward a homicide. Some of the items that were at the scene and some of the items that may no longer be there don’t make any sense,” Sheriff Springer said.

Sheriff Springer says at this point information is scarce.

“This will be one of those difficult investigations because our leads are limited, but we are making some progress. Hopefully the autopsy will tell us more tomorrow,” Springer said.

If anyone was in the Moose Creek area, east of Highway 191, about 30 miles from Four Corners, or if individuals have trail cameras in the area, the sheriff’s office encourages anyone to provide information.

“We’re going to need the public’s help in this case. It’s probably going to take someone who saw someone, heard something or saw two individuals at this campsite,” Sheriff Springer said.

Currently, more than 15 authorities and detectives are investigating.

“Our hearts go out to the family members; we are truly sorry that this happened. We have a lot of resources on this and we believe we will get through this,” Sheriff Springer said.