Body of missing boater recovered from Flathead Lake, sheriff says

Search teams recovered Tuesday the body of a boater who disappeared after jumping into Flathead Lake last week, authorities say.  

David Easterly, 67, of Mill Creek, Washington, vanished after leaping from his boat into the water near Blue Bay about 4:30 p.m., Aug. 16, said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell. Another individual on the vessel alerted the authorities, who subsequently launched a search effort, he said.  

Bell said teams located and recovered the man's body about 2 p.m., Aug. 19. It has since been taken to the Montana Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. Bell said his office is investigating the cause and manner of Easterly's death.  

Bell said Ralston Search and Recovery, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue, and Lake County Search and Rescue aided in the search. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.