Sheriff's office investigates death in Martin City

A 40-year-old man from the Flathead Valley died Sunday afternoon outside a bar in Martin City and authorities are trying to determine the cause of death.

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said dispatchers received several 911 calls around 3:15 p.m. Sunday that reported there was a man outside the South Fork Saloon who was not breathing.

People at the scene initiated CPR, which was continued by emergency medical personnel upon their arrival, Heino said. But Jesse Rule was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff said.

Heino said there were some reports that Rule might have been involved in a fight with another man prior to arriving at the South Fork Saloon. But he said authorities believe the death might be related to other causes and that Rule’s body has been transported to the medical examiner’s office in Missoula.

The sheriff said the autopsy and a toxicology report should help clear up the cause of death.

“We’re kind of relying on the ME (medical examiner) at this point,” Heino said.

He said there were some arrests at the scene Sunday afternoon but said they were tied to unrelated warrants.

The investigation continues, Heino said.

Reporter Duncan Adams may be reached at dadams@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4407.