EUREKA — A Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy was killed after being shot while he and a Eureka police officer responded to a disturbance call at 8:23 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.
According to Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short, Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, was killed and a Eureka police officer was also struck by gunfire. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post (May 28, 2026).
According to Short, the suspect, Matthew David Dye, 50, of Kalispell, fled the scene with a 7-year-old girl. He was pursued by Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies and fired at the deputies, disabling 2 patrol cars.
Dye was arrested and turned over at a roadblock located at Bill Creek Road and Mountain Meadow Road. Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies recovered the 7-year-old girl unharmed.
Watch the story here:
Watch: Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy and woman killed in Friday night shooting
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Merrisa Walker, 46, had also been shot and killed at the scene of the initial call. A young girl was also injured, but was treated and released.
In a statement, Sheriff Short said, “Lincoln County has faced some difficult times over the past year. We are all deeply affected by the loss of Deputy Terpsma, but know we can count on our community to support the Sheriff’s Office and each other as we mourn the loss of this good young man.
Dye will be charged in Terpsma’s death and will have an initial hearing in Lincoln County Justice Court next week.
According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Terpsma served as a detention officer with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office from December 2024 until May 2026, when he joined the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy.
The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave per Flathead County Sheriff’s Office policy. The Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is the lead investigative agency.
UPDATE: 10/31/2026
Montana officials are speaking out to mourn the loss of Lincoln County Deputy Ryan Terpsma, who was killed while responding to a disturbance at a Eureka residence.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte reposted a report on the fatal incident on
The Glacier County Sheriff’s Office also released a statement mourning Terpsma’s death while on duty.
“It is with a heavy heart that I send my deepest condolences to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the family and loved ones of Deputy Ryan Terpsma, and the entire Lincoln County community,” the office said in a note signed by Sheriff Tom Seifert. “The loss of a fellow law enforcement officer is a tragedy that touches all of us who wear the badge. Deputy Terpsma made the ultimate sacrifice in answering the call to serve and protect his community. His courage, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“On behalf of myself and the entire Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Terpsma’s family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We also extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the other lives lost in this tragedy and wish those injured a full recovery,” Seifert said in his statement.
Senator Steve Daines also spoke out on X in support of Terpsma’s family and community.
“Cindy and I are praying for the families of Deputy Ryan Terpsma and Merrisa Walker. We are also praying for a speedy recovery for the other police officers and civilians injured at the scene,” Daines wrote in his message. “This is a tragedy and a stark reminder that Montana’s first responders are risking their lives to keep our communities safe. Our hearts go out to everyone involved.”
The Montana Attorney General released the following statement after a Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy was killed in the line of duty:
“Lincoln County Deputy Ryan Terpsma answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community. He will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Terpsma’s friends and family, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the entire Eureka community. I encourage my fellow Montanans to join me. In Montana, we support blue. As Attorney General, I will do whatever I I can to support the community and ensure justice is served.”
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating the incident.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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