Michael Kevin Drexler, a 50-year-old White male from Billings, died on November 2, 2018 during a hunting trip south of Virginia City in southwestern Montana. He was with a small group stalking elk on national forest land when a hunting partner’s rifle accidentally discharged. The single shot was fatal and Drexler died at the scene; the remoteness of the location meant no immediate medical intervention was possible.

Madison County Sheriff Phil Fortner described the shooting as accidental and said he was 100 percent positive there was no malicious intent. Investigators concluded the death was a tragic accident; no arrests were made and no suspects were named.

If anyone was in that area that day or has information about the circumstances of the shooting, please come forward.