The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the death of 26-year-old Jakob Michael Page, whose body was found at the Knife River gravel pit near Belgrade on the morning of Monday, March 25. An autopsy is scheduled to take place this week and toxicology results will be available in six to eight weeks.

We reiterate that foul play is not suspected at this time. Upon a thorough initial investigation, our investigators found that the body showed clear indications of exposure, but no trauma. Mr. Page’s clothing was found nearby, which also indicated to us that the death was related to hypothermia. This well-known phenomenon, called “paradoxical undressing,” is frequently seen in hypothermia cases where disoriented patients strip their clothing when they are near death. It occurs in over 25% of hypothermia cases.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has excellent investigators who do exceptional work, day in and day out, to ensure they come to the correct conclusions in all of our investigations. Our experienced and well-trained professionals base their decisions on evidence and not conjecture. We will continue to further investigate this tragedy.

We send our deepest sympathies to Mr. Page’s family and friends during this difficult time.