Troy man drowns while ice fishing on Spar Lake

A Troy man drowned over the weekend while ice fishing on Spar Lake in Northwest Montana, authorities reported Monday.

Family members reported Keith Mack, 63, missing on Sunday, according to a media release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. The family said he left Saturday morning to go ice fishing on the remote lake southwest of Libby near the Idaho border and did not return home as expected.

Family members began searching for Mack Saturday night and found his snowmobile at the Spar Lake Campground. After a failed initial search, the family called 911, and David Thompson Search and Rescue personnel and Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the area. 

Mack’s fishing gear was located near a hole in the ice on Spar Lake. Based on the circumstances, Flathead County Search and Rescue dive team responded. 

Mack was recovered from the water Monday morning.