Body of missing boater recovered from Flathead Lake, sheriff says
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | August 20, 2025 9:00 AM
Search teams recovered Tuesday the body of a boater who disappeared after jumping into Flathead Lake last week, authorities say.
David Easterly, 67, of Mill Creek, Washington, vanished after leaping from his boat into the water near Blue Bay about 4:30 p.m., Aug. 16, said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell. Another individual on the vessel alerted the authorities, who subsequently launched a search effort, he said.
Bell said teams located and recovered the man's body about 2 p.m., Aug. 19. It has since been taken to the Montana Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. Bell said his office is investigating the cause and manner of Easterly's death.
Bell said Ralston Search and Recovery, Flathead County Search and Rescue, Lewis and Clark County Search and Rescue, and Lake County Search and Rescue aided in the search.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].
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