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Authorities identify teenager who died near Jewel Basin Road

ELSA ERICKSEN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 day, 3 hours AGO
by ELSA ERICKSEN
| July 1, 2026 12:00 AM

Authorities identified the teenager who died near the location of a party off Jewel Basin Road earlier this month as 18-year-old Xander Snake.  

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino on Thursday said investigators are waiting for the medical examiner’s report and witness statements before releasing more information about Snake’s death.  

Snake was found shivering and seemingly intoxicated in a grassy area near a party hosted by young adults and minors off Jewel Basin Road, according to officials. The Sheriff’s Office was alerted to Snake’s condition at 2:50 a.m., June 13.  

The people who discovered Snake first tried to warm him by moving him closer to a fire and then later began transporting him to emergency responders. Along the way, Snake lost signs of life, authorities said. CPR was administered until medical personnel arrived.  

Snake ultimately died at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, Heino said.

Investigators previously reported finding no signs of trauma on Snake’s body. 

Reporter Elsa Ericksen can be reached at 406-758-4459 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.

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