• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

Two Hunters Found Dead After Search South of Laurel

November 30, 2024

Two hunters who went missing south of Laurel on Wednesday were found dead on Thursday. The men were identified as Ray Bernard Wells, 71, of Park City, and James Rheinhart Horton, 71, of Laurel, according to Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Rich Hoffman.

The hunters had departed from Laurel on Wednesday morning to hunt on private land. They were believed to be on or near property owned by the family of Kurt Markegard, the interim chief administrative officer for the City of Laurel. By Wednesday night, a search was underway in the area between Spring Creek Road and Price Hill Road, involving multiple agencies, friends, and family members.

The search effort included the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Air National Guard. Search teams faced challenging conditions as the hunters’ utility terrain vehicle (UTV) had rolled down a ravine. The overturned vehicle was difficult to spot, requiring aerial support to locate.

Rescuers conducted a grid search of the area, focusing on tracks in the snow and other clues. The UTV was eventually discovered at the bottom of a ravine. The men had fallen from the top of a coulee to its base, leading to their deaths.

Local officials praised the coordination and resources used in the search. The tragedy underscores the importance of teamwork among emergency responders during difficult operations. Investigations are ongoing into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

By: DNU staff

Filed Under: News

Related Articles:

  • Montana Ranks Third Nationally for Lowest Unemployment
  • Buckskin Mine Honored with 2025 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award
  • Max Baucus Institute Announces 2025 Baucus Leader Scholars
  • In just a few months, ICE makes 1,000+ worksite enforcement actions
  • Attorney General Jackley Appoints Two New Special Agents in Charge at South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
  • Gallatin College MSU’s online courses expand to meet nontraditional student needs

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • Gianforte Continues 56 County Tour
  • Law enforcement agencies in 40 states are partnering with ICE 287(g) program
  • Gallatin College MSU’s online courses expand to meet nontraditional student needs
  • UM Video Game Team Scores National Championship

Recent Politics Posts

  • Sheehy Fulfills Campaign Promise With Blind Trust
  • Watchdogs: New Montana law restricting foreign money in elections insufficient
  • Knudsen Urges Gallatin County to Support ICE Partnership
  • Zinke Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Foreign Military Sales Notification Process

Recent Business Posts

  • Poll: College not preparing students for workforce, managers avoid hiring them
  • Bridger Aerospace Lands Record-Breaking Wildfire Contracts for Super Scooper Aircraft
  • Daktronics to Participate in Craig-Hallum’s 22nd Annual Institutional Investor Conference
  • Microsoft Marks 50th Anniversary

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.