Man found dead up the North Fork

The Daily Inter Lake

An 80-year-old man who had been reported missing in Dayton was found dead, apparently of hypothermia, on Saturday near Polebridge.

Grover Botkin was last seen heading to a dump site Dec. 12 and had been the subject of search efforts, including a Coast Guard search of the shores of Flathead Lake and nearby roads.

He was found by Polebridge residents early Saturday afternoon, according to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

Botkin apparently drove his pickup to the Polebridge area, where it became stuck between two unoccupied buildings. He then wandered away from his vehicle into the woods, which is where he was found.

No foul play was suspected. He suffered from a form of disorienting dementia, and it's likely that condition played a role in his death, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

Botkin had been traveling with his springer spaniel, Molly. The dog was found alive and has been returned to its family.