A detention sergeant from Montana has died in what officials describe as a tragic hunting accident.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, Detention Sergeant Michael Flohr was found dead after authorities responded to a report of a hunting accident in Magpie Gulch, according to a news release from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials described Flohr as “an icon in public safety” and said the department is “rallying around the entire Flohr family and pulling together as we mourn the loss of an exceptional leader, officer, husband, father, and friend.”
Flohr had been hunting with a partner in Magpie Gulch — a rugged area of trails located in Broadwater County — when the two began storing their firearms in their side-by-side vehicles. During that process, one of the guns discharged, fatally injuring Flohr, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer told The Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Flohr joined the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center in 2011, serving as the booking agent. “He was incredibly bright and well-versed in our reference management system — probably more than anyone else in the office,” Sheriff Springer said. “Michael was one of those kind-hearted souls who valued learning and understood the importance of his work.”
The Gallatin County and Broadwater County Sheriff’s Offices, the latter leading the investigation, have not yet provided further comment.
Following the news, tributes for Flohr have poured in from friends, family, and community members.
“I got a phone call Saturday that broke my heart,” wrote Chaplain Kathi Gregoire on Facebook. “The loss of Mike is devastating for so many. I am a better person because I have been a chaplain to Mike and so many like him.”
Kyle Dixon, who grew up across the street from Flohr and had him serve as the best man at his wedding, also shared memories online. “Our group chat was always an entertaining part of my day. Your willingness to help was unmatched,” Dixon wrote. “You are truly missed by so many, and it was a pleasure being able to call you not only my friend, but my brother. Rest easy — love you.”
