Teen Dies From Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound Near Trapper Creek

DILLON, MT – On August 25, 2025, at approximately 5:59 p.m., the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting incident in the Trapper Creek area near Melrose. The call came from the Forest Service Fire Desk regarding an individual with a gunshot wound.

A fire crew patrolling the Trapper Creek/Canyon Creek area came across three individuals from Butte, one person who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. At this time, details about the victim remain limited.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office, Butte Police Department, Forest Service Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol, A1 Ambulance, and Life Flight.

Upon arrival, law enforcement confirmed that the 18-year-old victim had died from his injuries. An extensive investigation led to the conclusion that the gun shot was self-inflicted.

The victim was transported to Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon. Other involved individuals, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, were transported back to Butte by Montana Highway Patrol.

Authorities have confirmed that alcohol and marijuana were factors in the incident. The case remains active, and names are not being released at this time.

This devastating event is the worst news any family could receive about their child.