Missing Montana hiker found dead

KALISPELL, Mont. -- A 59-year-old Eureka man who was reported missing after failing to return from a day hike in the Swan Lake area has been found dead.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell tells the Daily Inter Lake that William Hendrix was found dead Sunday afternoon in a rugged area off the hiking trail. Bell says it appears he died in a fall, but an autopsy was planned.

Hendrix left for a hike early on Aug. 11 and was planning to hike to Thunderbolt Mountain on the Swan Crest. His wife reported him missing when he didn't return that evening.

His pickup truck was found at the North Lost Creek Trailhead.

The Lake County sheriff's office along with Swan Mission Search and Rescue, North Valley Search and Rescue and Two Bear Air aided in the search.