Two bodies found in Flathead Lake

The Daily Inter Lake

Authorities recovered the bodies of a man and woman Wednesday afternoon from the south shoreline of Wildhorse Island.

Although Lake County officials have not yet released the names of the couple, they were identified in Associated Press reports as Hank and Nancy Harrington of Missoula.

Hank Harrington was the former English Department chair of the University of Montana and his wife, Nancy, was a semi-retired partner at the accounting firm Boyle, Deveny and Meyer.

They were reportedly both wearing life vests and their canoe was found nearby, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The bodies were discovered after deputies were called to the island to conduct a welfare check. Officials did not release details about what prompted the call or who made it.

No foul play is suspected, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The bodies were taken to the state crime lab in Missoula for autopsies.

Two dogs, seemingly in good health, were also found on the island. Investigators determined that both animals belonged to the Harringtons.

Hank Harrington arrived at the University of Montana in 1971 as an assistant professor of English and chaired the department from 1987 to 1992. He also taught in the Environmental Studies Department, according to reports.