Yellowstone Park Identifies Big Sky Man Found in Gallatin River

The body of Dane M. Offutt, 29, from Big Sky, MT, was recovered from the Gallatin River in Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, a vehicle on US Highway 191 near the Gallatin River was reported abandoned to Yellowstone National Park officials. One day later, Offutt was reported missing to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. According to the Associated Press, sheriffs determined that he had missed two shifts of work.

With assistance from Gallatin County Search and Rescue, Yellowstone rangers extensively searched the area on foot and through the use of dogs and drones. On Wednesday, Oct. 10, they located Offutt’s body in the Gallatin River near the abandoned vehicle.

Yellowstone National Park publicly identified Offutt on Friday, Oct. 12, after notifying his next of kin. No cause of death has been reported. An investigation led by Yellowstone National Park is ongoing.

Lead image via

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

What Do You Think?