Police investigating death of man found outside bar
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 12 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | August 4, 2020 9:18 AM
The Whitefish Police Department is investigating the death of a Whitefish man after an incident outside a bar last week.
Officers responded to a call of an unresponsive man outside the VFW Bar and Grill on Baker Avenue just past midnight on Thursday, July 30. Police Chief Bill Dial said officers found a man with “significant” head injuries at the scene.
The man, identified as Steven Speer, 25, was taken to the hospital where he died Sunday as a result of the injuries he suffered.
Dial said the incident is still under investigation and officers are interviewing witnesses, but it may have been related to a fight.
He said the case has been referred to the Flathead County Attorney’s Office, which will determine if any charges will be filed.
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