Woman’s Body Found On Barge In Flathead Lake

NBC Montana Reports that the Flathead County Sheriff's Office is investigating after the body of a 38-year-old woman was found on a barge on Flathead Lake that was docked near Lakeside.

Sheriff Chuck Curry said the woman's body was found Monday morning by work crews. They reported to dispatch that the body was fully clothed at the time and appeared to have been beaten.

"I've been hearing more about drug problems in the area and different things happening," said resident Christine Moore. "Its tragic to hear about this in such a close community."

"I've always felt safe in Lakeside," said longtime resident Sybil Brown. "In the 37 years I have lived here, this is very unusual."

Curry said Wednesday he wasn't sure if the woman's death was due to natural causes, accident or suicide. He said there were no immediate indications of a homicide.

"Anytime someone dies outside in an unusual location we put a lot of effort into making sure there is nothing suspicious," he said.

The body was taken to the state crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy and toxicology tests. The woman's name has not been released.