Missing Person Search Effort Begins to Scale Down
By Moosetrack Megan

Posted: August 10, 2020

 

WEST GLACIER, Mont. [August 10, 2020] – No new clues have been found in the search for Barry J. Tragen, a 68-year-old Columbia Falls resident. The search effort will now transition to a limited continuous status, meaning the search and investigation will stay open, but active work in the field will be limited and focused on finding new clues.

Park staff initiated a search for Tragen on July 25 after he did not return to his vehicle parked near Kintla Lake in the North Fork area of the park. Over the past two weeks, search efforts have included ground search teams, canine search teams, aerial observations, and water observations using boats and a remotely operated underwater vehicle.

On August 4, a pair of sunglasses believed to belong to Tragen were found in Kintla Creek. Canine search units were brought in to search the area, with dogs showing interest at the outlet of Kintla Lake. Ground search teams, boats, and a remotely operated underwater vehicle were used to search the area, but no signs of Tragen were found.

“All available clues have been thoroughly investigated and resources depleted in the search for Mr. Tragen,” said Incident Commander Jim Dahlstrom. “We remain hopeful that additional clues come forward so that an active search effort may be renewed.”

Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Two Bear Air, National Park Service Investigative Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assisted Glacier National Park with search efforts.

Anyone that may have information regarding Tragen’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the park tip line at 406-888-7077.

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