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Teen dies at party near Bigfork

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 4 weeks AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
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. | June 24, 2026 8:25 AM

The death of a man found unresponsive near the location of a party outside Bigfork is under investigation, authorities say.

He was later identified as Xander Snake, 18.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office learned of the discovery of the shivering and seemingly intoxicated man near Jewel Basin Road about 2:50 a.m., June 13, officials said. The people who found him initially moved him close to a fire for warmth and later attempted to bring him to emergency responders.  

The Snake lost signs of life along the way, authorities said. He was given CPR until medical personnel arrived.  

Snake's body is undergoing an autopsy, but investigators reported finding no signs of trauma. Detectives are interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence to determine the circumstances leading up to the man’s death. Authorities did not immediately identify the man. Officials said the man was found in a grassy area near where a group of minors and young adults had hosted a party earlier in the evening. It was not immediately clear if the man was involved in the party or discovered by the revelers.


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