Man found dead in tent of ‘vicious’ murder, not bear attack, authorities say

GALLATIN COUNTY, Mont. (Gray News) – A man found dead in a tent was not killed in a bear attack as originally reported, but was the victim of a “vicious” murder, according to authorities.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem was found dead in his tent Saturday morning by his friend, who went looking for him when he didn’t meet up as planned. The friend called 911 at the scene.

The friend said Kjersem’s death appeared to be the result of a bear attack, but authorities said a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks agent who responded to the scene found no signs of bear activity around the campground.

According to the autopsy, Kjersem suffered “multiple lacerations” from a “vicious attack” and the case is now being investigated as a murder.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer said no suspects had been identified, but investigators were “working day and night to find his killer.”

“He was brutally killed at his campsite and we need your help,” Springer said.

The sheriff’s office released images of Kjersem and his truck, a black 2013 Ford F-150 with a black top and silver aluminum ladder rack.

“If you were in the Moose Creek area or anywhere in Gallatin Canyon between Thursday afternoon and early Saturday morning and noticed anything unusual – whether you saw Dustin, Dustin’s truck, noticed any suspicious activity, had trail camera footage or vehicle camera footage,” If you If you are in the area or have noticed anything unusual, please come forward,” the sheriff’s office said. “Even the smallest detail could be crucial to the investigation.”

Authorities are also urging everyone in the area to “remain vigilant.”

Anyone with information about Kjersem’s death can call 406-582-2121 and leave a message or 406-582-2100 and select option 1 to reach a dispatcher.

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