A hiker from Missoula tragically passed away last week above the M trail on Mount Sentinel, as reported by University of Montana police and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 24, but officials confirmed it was not related to the storm that affected Western Montana.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that Stephen Domenichella, aged 54, died of natural causes.
He was discovered late in the afternoon of July 24, according to a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. UM police confirmed that the death was not suspicious, as per the Daily Montanan reports.
The storm hit Missoula after 9 p.m. on the same day, causing damage to homes and cars. However, city and county officials did not receive any reports of severe injuries due to the weather.
Yet, Gov. Greg Gianforte issued a disaster declaration for Missoula and Mineral counties to aid in the recovery of residents and electric cooperatives.
An obituary posted on Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory mentioned that Mount Sentinel was a cherished place for Steve.
According to the obituary, “He hiked the ‘M’ three days a week all year long, rarely missing a planned hike. In the winter, he wore spikes on his shoes to hike the icy trail. What started as exercise to alleviate back pain, turned into something of a meditative practice. On his hikes, Steve could do his deep thinking; at the top, he could take in the beauty of Missoula and the surrounding valleys.”
A service in memory of Domenichella was held on Wednesday morning. The family suggested honoring him by donating to the Friends of the M Trail account for trail preservation and maintenance.
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