Montana Funeral: Two Dead After Deputy Killed in Eureka
Governor orders flags to half-staff as a procession moves the bodies of Deputy Ryan Terpsma and Merissa Walker from Missoula to Libby.
By Chioma Rogers ·
Montana Governor Tim Gianforte signed a proclamation on Sunday ordering all state flags to fly at half-staff following the deaths of a Lincoln County deputy and a civilian over the weekend.
Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, was shot and killed on Saturday evening while responding to a disturbance call in Eureka, Montana. An Eureka police officer was also struck by gunfire but did not sustain severe injuries.
The suspect, 50-year-old Matthew David Dye of Kalispell, fled the scene with a seven-year-old girl. Flathead County deputies located him and pursued the vehicle. During the chase, Dye fired at officers, disabling two patrol cars.
A roadblock on Highway 93 stopped the vehicle just before the line. Dye surrendered. At the scene, an injured juvenile was treated, and 46-year-old Merissa Walker was found shot and killed. Dye is scheduled for a court hearing today.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Terpsma and Walker were examined in Missoula. Their bodies will return to Libby later today. The procession will begin at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Highway 93 north to Kalispell, then west on Highway 2 to Libby.
The cortege will conclude at the Schnackenberg & Riddle Funeral Home. The sheriff's office invited the public to stand along the roadway to pay their respects as the vehicles pass.
The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association has launched a fund to support Terpsma's family. Officials stated that 100% of donations will go directly to the family to cover funeral expenses and other costs resulting from the loss.
The association will retain no portion of the funds. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the family identified this fund as the only authorized place for donations. Contributions can be mailed to the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association at P.O. Box 794, Helena, MT 59624, or made by card.
Lincoln County officials described Terpsma's death as the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. They asked residents across the state to honor his life by participating in the funeral procession and supporting his family.
Source: KBUL
