Jan. 6—STARK COUNTY, N.D. — The body of a deceased juvenile male was discovered by a hunter Sunday morning, Jan. 5, in a creek slough in rural northwest Stark County, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday afternoon.
Authorities identified the deceased as a 17-year-old male from Dickinson who was reported missing by a family member early Saturday. Deputies conducted a welfare check at the juvenile’s residence around 12:30 a.m. that day. Family-provided information and footprints found near the scene suggested the juvenile might have entered a vehicle and left the area.
Residential surveillance footage showed the individual walking outside the residence but failed to provide a clear direction of travel.
Initial search efforts included an extensive examination of the home, garage and outbuildings, as well as the use of thermal imaging technology to scan the surrounding area. However, the juvenile was not located during these initial searches.
Weather conditions during the time of his disappearance were severe.
Dickinson was experiencing extremely low temperatures, with temperatures dropping to minus 2 degrees F. A large-scale winter storm was affecting the region, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures. These conditions would have posed significant risks to anyone outdoors and added additional challenges for search-and-rescue efforts, authorities said.
Deputies responded Sunday morning to a report from a hunter who had discovered a body in a creek slough and upon arrival, confirmed the body was that of the missing 17-year-old male from Dickinson.
The body has been sent to the North Dakota State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death. While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities indicated no signs of foul play and assured the public there is no safety concern at this time.