Authorities identify body found floating in Flathead Lake

Authorities identified the body pulled from Flathead Lake on Wednesday as Gale Dal Molin Eversole, 72, of Bigfork.  

An autopsy has been completed at the Montana State Crime Lab, and while cause and manner of death are still under investigation, Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said she was not a victim of a stabbing or shooting. 

Eversole’s body was discovered Wednesday morning by a wake surfing class about half a mile from the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park near Bigfork.  

Zach Wenzel, owner of Blue Cat Boat Rentals, the outfitter teaching the surf lesson, said Eversole was dressed in hiking clothes, not boating attire. 

“It didn’t seem like she was planning on going on the lake that day,” Wenzel said.  

The discovery of Eversole’s body in the lake came as the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a slew of water-related incidents, Heino said. He urged recreationalists to exercise caution around bodies of water. High water conditions, cold water temperatures and increased debris pose a threat to boaters and swimmers. 

“Our volunteer and professional first responders stand ready and continue to respond diligently to these emergencies, but we need the public's help to keep everyone safe,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in a press release. “We are experiencing elevated water levels throughout the region, and conditions can change rapidly. We encourage everyone to closely monitor river conditions, weather forecasts and local advisories before entering or recreating near the water.” 

The Sheriff’s Office recommends wearing a properly fitted life jacket, supervising children near any body of water and remaining alert for obstacles that may be hidden by high water levels.  

Reporter Elsa Ericksen can be reached at 406-758-4459 or eericksen@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.