Polebridge worker dies in river accident

A man drowned Monday evening while attempting to “river surf” on the North Fork of the Flathead River.

The 30-year-old man drowned while trying to get onto the surfboard in the river near the Polebridge Ranger Station.

According to Flathead County Sheriff’s Patrol Commander Nic Salois, the man went under water after he got tangled up in a rope that tethered the board to shore.

People cut the rope from a snag, Salois said. The victim was pulled from the river about 200 yards downstream. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The ALERT helicopter, Three Rivers EMS, Blankenship Fire Department, Glacier National Park rangers and the Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The man reportedly has worked at the Polebridge Mercantile for the past three years. Authorities have not yet released his name but the Sheriff’s Office said he was from Park City, Utah.

Investigation by the Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.