Authorities Keep Searching Missouri River Near Wolf Point

At approximately 12:46 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s deputies and Fort Peck Tribal officers were dispatched to the Missouri River just south of Wolf Point for a missing person.

Several people were at the river when witnesses reported others went in the water and were caught by the current and in distress.

Stonehail Moccasin, 18, of Wolf Point and another man assisted those people out of the water. Unfortunately, Moccasin was unable to get back to shore and has not been seen since.

The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Peck Tribes initiated a search of the river and surrounding area on Aug. 26. Every day since, searchers have been utilizing boats, helicopters and airplanes to try and locate him.

Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick said searchers and boats from Roosevelt County, the Fort Peck Tribes, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have been in the water and in the air since Aug. 26, and will continue the search.

Sheriffs from Valley, Rosebud, Park, Lewis & Clark, Cascade, and Stillwater counties have sent or are sending people, search equipment, boats and aircraft to assist in locating Moccasin.

Frederick said, “Our thoughts and our efforts are in support of Stonehail’s family and friends. Any river, but especially the Missouri, presents hidden dangers to the public and to searchers. Strong currents that appear calm, hidden trees and debris all can create a tragedy in an instant. I am very grateful to our neighbors and other counties for their support.”