Body of missing man found in Milk River near Chinook
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Searchers found the body of 35 year-old Noah Hofeldt in the Milk River outside Chinook. The Chinook native and resident was first reported by his family as missing on Thursday (June 14). Blaine County Sheriff Glenn Huestis said, “The body was found about 5:30 pm on Sunday just up river from the Chinook Waste Water Treatment facility.” That facility is on the river just south of Bear Paw Livestock.
Huestis said Hofeldt was last seen “around noon on Monday.” On Sunday according to a news report on KRTV in Great Falls, Hofeldt’s mother, Carol, said Noah would often search for wild asparagus and it was not unusual for him to go swimming during those jaunts along the Milk River. That same report noted friends of the victim began searching and found his shoes and shirt along the river. Sheriff Huestis said the victim’s clothing and bicycle were found near Chinook’s Water Treatment Plant up stream from where the body was later found.
Huestis said deputies and other searchers looked for any evidence that would indicate the victim had left the area around and near the river but found nothing to suggest he left the area around the river. Saturday afternoon searchers began a more extensive search along the river. The body was found later Sunday afternoon.
The sheriff added, “At present the cause of death is unknown. There is nothing to make us think there was foul play involved.” Huestis said the body would be sent to the State Crime Lab in Billings on Tuesday (June 19). Per the sheriff the state forensic pathologist recommends that all drowning deaths have an autopsy performed. Huestis explained, “We are sending the body for an autopsy as per the pathologist’s recommendation.”
At press time for the “Journal” the sheriff said, “We are still tracking down rumors related to Noah Hofeldt’s disappearance.” Huestis emphasized again there is presently no indication of foul play.
