Joseph Cort Burgess, 51, died on November 28, 2020, near the Hamilton Heights area in Montana from a fatal gunshot wound. He was waiting in a vehicle when his partner returned and, as a rifle was being placed inside the truck, it accidentally discharged and struck him. The death has been described as a tragic accident; no arrests or suspects are mentioned.

Born January 23, 1969, in San Diego, Burgess moved to the Bitterroot Valley at age eight and worked from an early age. He held jobs with log home companies and worked as a mechanic and welder, and for the previous fifteen years he was employed by and a close friend to a hay farmer in Corvallis. He was a father, grandfather, and partner to Carlita Boyer, who helped raise her three daughters with him. Family remembered him for his caring nature, big but gentle bear hugs, and his love of animals.

If anyone knew Joseph or was near Hamilton Heights on November 28, 2020, can you share what you remember?