The body of a local fisherman surfaced at Lake Elwell. Search and rescue crews had dragged that area, looking for Dr. John Kumm, who was reported missing when he did not return from a fishing trip last week. The body that surfaced is believed to be the local eye doctor.
His body was found just off the shore of Elwell reservoir, and officials think he may have been swimming after his boat when it possibly drifted away from where he parked his pickup truck. The Montana native enjoyed hunting and fishing. Here is his bio from where he worked at The Eye Clinic in Great Falls.
Dr. John A. Kumm, a Great Falls native, has been practicing optometry at the Eye Clinic of Great Falls since the early 90s. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Montana State University. He then attended Pacific University College of Optometry graduating in 1992 with honors. While practicing full-scope optometry, he has special interests in treating dry-eye patients and ocular disease. He also enjoys specialty contact lens fittings.
He and his wife have three daughters: Brittany, Brandy, and Taylor. His wife Tracy is a pharmacist and also a Great Falls native. The entire family enjoys sports and outdoor activities.
Dr. Kumm enjoys the outdoors year-round and is an avid pheasant hunters and walleye fisherman. He’ll always make time to hear about the one that got away!
He is active in the development of youth sports including Heisey basketball and traveling basketball teams. He also plays competitive softball.
The body has been sent to the state crime lab in Missoula for an autopsy.
Lake Elwell was created by Tiber Dam and is about 20 miles southwest of Chester.
photo of Dr. Kumm was taken from Great Falls eye clinic website bio
feature photo from krtv
