Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter announced on Sunday that a man drowned in the Missouri River on Saturday.
In a news release, Slaughter identified the man as Cleve Jeffery Loney of Great Falls; Loney was 69 years old. Next of kin has been notified.
Slaughter said that Loney and others were floating the Missouri River between Prewett Creek and Pelican Point. Loney's kayak tipped in some rapids and he fell out of the kayak into the river.
He was last seen attempting to stay above the surface and then he went back under the water.
The incident was witnessed by Loney's wife, who called 911.
Loney's body was later found by a fisherman near Pelican Point, and recovered by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Cascade County Search & Rescue, and Cascade County Sheriff's deputies.
Slaughter says the cause of death was drowning, and manner of death was accidental.
Loney served as the chair of the Cascade County Republicans and was well-known in the community for his civic and political involvement.
