Man Found Dead in Tent Near Big Sky; Authorities are investigating possible murder

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

The first responders initially assumed that an animal was responsible for killing the man. Sheriff Dan Springer says the death is now being investigated as a homicide.

“We got a call from people who were looking for a friend at a campground and they found him in the tent and he was deceased,” said Sheriff Springer.

There are several “beware of bear” signs posted around the parking lot on Moose Creek Road. Sheriff Springer says this was not caused by an animal.

“So Fish, Wildlife and Parks came in and their bear expert came over. “He examined the area and did not believe it was a bear attack,” said Sheriff Springer.

They are currently waiting for an autopsy report.

“The crime scene itself is what points to murder. “It doesn’t make sense to have some of the items that were at the scene and items that may no longer be at the scene,” said Sheriff Springer.

Sheriff Springer says information is scarce at this point.

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

If anyone has been in the Moose Creek area east of Highway 191, approximately thirty miles from Four Corners, or if anyone has trail cameras in the area, the Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone to come forward with information.

“We will need the public’s help in this case. It will probably take someone who saw someone, heard something or saw two people at that campground,” said Sheriff Springer.

More than 15 authorities and criminal investigators are currently investigating.

“Our thoughts are with the family members; We are so sorry this happened. “We have a lot of resources and we believe we will bring this matter to a close,” said Sheriff Springer.