Shane M. Ellison, a 30-year-old White man from Libby, Montana, died on the evening of May 27, 2023. His obituary initially described the loss as a sudden accident, but law enforcement reports say the death followed an alleged game of Russian roulette at a friend gathering.

Authorities say 28-year-old Travis D. C. Heintz emptied a revolver, placed a single round in the cylinder, spun it, and pointed the gun at another person before pulling the trigger; that attempt did not fire. Heintz then allegedly aimed the weapon at Ellison, who protested and begged him to stop. When the trigger was pulled a second time, the chamber contained a live round and Ellison died of a gunshot wound. Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office found Ellison deceased and took Heintz into custody; Heintz was charged with negligent homicide.

The community was left mourning a young life ended in a violent, reportedly reckless incident. If anyone was at that gathering or has information about what happened that night, please share what you know.