Kalispell man dies after raft tips over in Clark Fork

MISSOULA — Authorities say a Kalispell man died after his raft tipped over in the Clark Fork River west of Missoula.

Mineral County Sheriff Ernie Ornel says 49-year-old Neil Albright was rowing the raft through the popular Alberton Gorge Sunday when it tipped sideways going through a rapid.

The Missoulian reports that Albright was not wearing a life vest.

Another person who was in the raft and was wearing a life jacket managed to grab a rope attached to the raft.

Albright was airlifted to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, where he was pronounced dead.

Ornel is not yet saying what Albright died of. His body has been taken to the state crime lab for an autopsy.