Community mourning the loss of Michiana native after tragic rock-climbing accident

RAVALLI COUNTY, Mont. -- The Ravalli County (Montana) Sheriff's Office reports a 30-year-old man was found dead by searchers in the Sleeping Child drainage just south of Hamilton, Mont.

The man, identified as Richard Jeffrey McGowan of Missoula, Mont. and South Bend, Ind., was reported as missing since Sunday. Forest Service Law Enforcement were able to locate his vehicle on Tuesday.

Living and working as an emergency medical technician in Missoula, Mont., McGowan was an avid hiker and rock climber.

The RCSO and Ravalli County Search and Rescue began searching the area with assistance from drones and a National Guard Helicopter.

Authorities say McGowan was found at the base of a rock face and the preliminary investigation indicates he was the victim of an accidental fall while rock climbing.