Search continues for man who fell into river below SKQ Dam overlook
Nicole Tavenner
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The search continues for a 23-year-old Nebraska man who fell into the Flathead River below the spill way of Selis Ksanka Qlipse dam on Wednesday, May 31. According to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, the man has been identified as Richard Mitchell of Minatare, Nebraska. Mitchell was with two other people from Nebraska, when they crossed guard rails and passed warning signs at the scenic overlook and worked their way down the cliff face to the east side of the scenic lookout. That is when Mitchell reportedly slipped and ended up in the water.
According to Bell, Lake County Search and Rescue has brought in a specialized dog team to assist in the search. Officers from the Lake County Sheriff's Department and Tribal Fish and Game are also searching the area.
Two Bear Air helicopter flew over the river several times at the time of the incident and again several hours later in an attempt to locate Mitchell.
To aid search and rescue efforts, Energy Keepers, Inc. lowered water output from the dam for two hours immediately following the incident. Output has returned to normal, free flow.
Updates will be posted as new information is available.
