MISSOULA — An Oregon man died while working on his boat in Flathead Lake on Thursday.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office reports that the body of John Stoianoff, 75 years old, was found 12 to 15 feet underwater in the Rollins area along the western side of Flathead Lake.
Emergency crews responded to the scene at 3:14 p.m. after receiving reports of a possible drowning.
The initial 911 call indicated Stoianoff had been last seen conducting some maintenance on his boat, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
He was found about an hour later underwater, prompting the 911 call. A responding deputy was able to dive down to pull him from the bottom.
Life-saving measures were attempted but unsuccessful.
The Rollins and Chief Cliff fire departments as well as Lake County Search & Rescue responded to the scene.
