Dustin Mitchell Kjersem Obituary, Death – Authorities have clarified that a man found dead in a tent in Gallatin County, Montana, was not killed by a bear attack, as initially believed, but was instead the victim of a brutal homicide. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem. He was discovered dead on Saturday morning at his campsite by a friend who went looking for him after Kjersem failed to meet up as planned.
Upon discovering Kjersem’s body, the friend immediately contacted emergency services, initially suspecting that his death had been caused by a bear attack. However, when Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks officials arrived at the scene, they found no evidence of bear activity around the campsite, prompting authorities to investigate further.
An autopsy conducted later revealed that Kjersem had died from “multiple chop wounds,” indicating a “vicious” attack. With this information, the case was officially reclassified as a homicide, sparking an intense investigation to find the person responsible for Kjersem’s violent death.
Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer expressed the seriousness of the case, stating that there are currently no suspects. However, the sheriff assured the public that detectives are working tirelessly, day and night, to track down Kjersem’s killer. Springer emphasized the need for community assistance, stating, “He was brutally killed at his campsite, and we need your help.”
As part of their effort to gather information, the sheriff’s office released images of Kjersem and his vehicle, a black 2013 Ford F-150 truck with a black top and a silver aluminum ladder rack. They are asking anyone who was in the Moose Creek area or anywhere in Gallatin Canyon between Thursday afternoon and early Saturday morning to come forward if they noticed anything unusual. This includes any sightings of Kjersem or his truck, any suspicious activity in the area, or footage from game cameras or in-vehicle cameras that may have captured relevant information.
The sheriff’s office stressed that even the smallest piece of information could prove vital to the investigation. They urged the public to report anything that seemed out of place, regardless of how minor it might seem, as it could help lead detectives to the killer.
In addition to seeking tips, authorities are advising people in the area to remain cautious. While the motive and perpetrator remain unknown, the nature of the attack suggests there may still be a threat to others in the community.
Anyone with information related to Kjersem’s death is being asked to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. They can either leave a message at 406-582-2121 or reach a dispatcher directly by calling 406-582-2100 and selecting option 1.
As the investigation continues, residents and visitors are reminded to stay vigilant and report anything unusual that might help authorities solve this tragic case.