Tom Smith- Forsyth (Montana)Missing [FOUND DECEASED]

[ferretplay]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22391054/

Forsyth Man Missing
KULR-TV
updated 8:34 p.m. MT, Wed., Dec. 26, 2007
A family in Forsyth is searching for a loved one Monday night. Thirty-nine-year-old Tom Smith of Forsyth has been missing since last Tuesday night.

FORSYTH - A family in Forsyth is searching for a loved one Monday night. Thirty-nine-year-old Tom Smith of Forsyth has been missing since last Tuesday night.

According to the Rosebud County Sheriff, his vehicle was found in Smith Creek, just west of town, and about two miles from his home. They believe Smith left his vehicle and tried to find his way home, but became disorientated.

Officials say the Sheriff's Department, County Search And Rescue, search dogs from Helena, and the family searched about a five-square-mile area for Smith, but found no trace.

The sheriff says they used GPS on his cell phone, but it's turned off, and are tracking his credit cards for any action. If you have any information on Tom Smith’s whereabouts, you are asked to call the Rosebud County Sheriff's Department at (406) 346-2715.

Here's another later article LINK

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22434144/

Search for Missing Man Continues

My husband & I used to play pool with Tom & friends. He is a very nice person. He is an excellent hunting guide & guides in Montana,Wyoming & Alaska. We are hoping he decided to just take off to one of these places. I know he has been around Washington State also. They had a picture of him with a small article in the Billings Gazette newspaper. I am trying to find that article still.
I went out on the search today. We had an excellent turnout. We had 2 or 3 groups of walkers, in our group we had 26 people. We had plenty more horse & ATV four wheeler riders. We covered a lot of land. We did not find any trace of Tom. I'm not sure if there will be more searches. The weather here is fair for this time of year. Is quite cold at night & if the wind comes up, it goes right through a person.
If anyone could help me find the article with Tom's picture, I would appreciate if you would post it. Thank you.
Carla:1187603408.CR.Mothe

[ferretplay]

http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=7538091


http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p119/ferretplay/7538091_BG1.jpg

[Pauli]

Forsyth Man Missing


http://media.kulr8.com/images/MISS1224.jpg
Story Published: Dec 24, 2007 at 5:49 PM MST
Story Updated: Dec 24, 2007 at 5:49 PM MST

By KULR Staff


http://media.kulr8.com/designimages/video_icon_gen1.gif Watch the video (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopup%28%27%2Fr%3F19%3D950%2632%3D3577%26 7%3D124107%2640%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.kulr8.com %252Fnews%252Flocal%252F12806602.html%253Fvideo%25 3DYHI%2526t%253Da%2641%3DVideo%2BForsyth%2BMan%2BM issing%2618%3D0.8734426763971%27,%27video%27,%27sc rollbars=yes,width=800,height=600,screenx=15,scree ny=15%27%29;)
FORSYTH - A family in Forsyth is searching for a loved one Monday night. Thirty-nine-year-old Tom Smith of Forsyth has been missing since last Tuesday night.

According to the Rosebud County Sheriff, his vehicle was found in Smith Creek, just west of town, and about two miles from his home. They believe Smith left his vehicle and tried to find his way home, but became disorientated.

Officials say the Sheriff's Department, County Search And Rescue, search dogs from Helena, and the family searched about a five-square-mile area for Smith, but found no trace.

The sheriff says they used GPS on his cell phone, but it's turned off, and are tracking his credit cards for any action. If you have any information on Tom Smith’s whereabouts, you are asked to call the Rosebud County Sheriff's Department at (406) 346-2715.

http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/12806602.html

[Pauli]

Search for Missing Man Continues


http://media.kulr8.com/images/KULR_man.jpg
Story Published: Dec 29, 2007 at 8:00 PM MST
Story Updated: Dec 29, 2007 at 5:17 PM MST

By Emily Nantz


http://media.kulr8.com/designimages/video_icon_gen1.gif Watch the video (javascript:openPopup('%2Fr%3F19%3D950%2632%3D3577 %267%3D124107%2640%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.kulr8. com%252Fnews%252Flocal%252F12915977.html%253Fvideo %253DYHI%2526t%253Da%2641%3DVideo%2BSearch%2Bfor%2 BMissing%2BMan%2BContinues%2618%3D0.86767760903188 23','video','scrollbars=yes,width=800,height=600,s creenx=15,screeny=15');)
FORSYTH - The search for a Forsyth man missing for almost two weeks continued Saturday. Volunteers along with the Rosebud County Search and Rescue team again searched the area were 39-year-old Tom Smith disappeared. Rosebud County Sheriff, Randy Allies, says Smith's vehicle was found in Smith Creek, just west of town and about two miles from his home. Allies says they believe Smith left his car tried to find his way home and became disoriented. The formal search by the sheriff's department had been suspended but officials agreed to help look for Smith Saturday. If you have any information you are asked to call the Rosebud County Sheriff's Department at 346-2715.
http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/12915977.html

[Pauli]

No trace of missing man found
By Gazette News Services
A search on Saturday found no further evidence as to the whereabouts of a missing Forsyth man.

About 100 volunteers, including family members, covered about seven square miles on horse, foot and off-road vehicle, said Rosebud County Sheriff Randy Allies.

Thomas Smith, 39, was last seen Dec. 17 when his vehicle went off the road and into a ditch about two miles from his home.

A motorist called 911 about 10:55 p.m. that night to report that she saw a vehicle go into a ditch on Smith Creek Road, about a mile west of Forsyth. A deputy arrived four minutes after the 911 call was made. The deputy found Smith's Chevy Suburban but no sign of the man.

Allies said Monday that there is no evidence of foul play, and there are no clues at Smith's house. Allies said Smith was seen at a Forsyth bar the evening before the crash and worked as an outfitter in the area. No activity has been reported on his bank or credit cards.

Smith was described as 5 foot 8, about 145 pounds with short brown hair that's balding on top. He was last seen wearing jeans, a red or burgundy flannel shirt, a camouflage jacket and black boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Rosebud County Sheriff's Office at 406-346-2715.

http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/12/30/news/state/60-missing.txt

[ferretplay]

Thanks Harlett for posting more articles.
If anyone has any ideas to help locate Tom, could you please post them. Thank you.:missing:

[Grande]

Search ends for missing Forsyth man

Dec 31 2007 3:53PM
FORSYTH, Mont. (AP) The Rosebud County sheriff's office has ended the formal search for 39-year-old Forsyth man who has been missing for two weeks.

Tom Smith has been missing since December 17th.

Sheriff Randy Allies says Smith's vehicle was found in a creek, just west of Forsyth and about two miles from his house.

Allies says officers believe he left his vehicle and became disoriented while trying to walk home. Foul play is not suspected.

About 100 volunteers searched for Smith on Saturday. Anyone with information is asked to call the Rosebud County Sheriff's Office at 406-346-2715.

http://www.kxmb.com/News/193731.asp

[ferretplay]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p119/ferretplay/Picture010.jpg

The pin is where Tom's vehicle was found. Notice how close to interstate 94 or Old Highway 10E.The road his vehicle was found on is Smith Creek Road. Someone may have picked him up that night. The police were at his crash site within 4-5 minutes. How could he disappear so fast ?

[Pauli]

Here is the website for Tom

http://helpfindthemissing.org/thomas_smith.html

[SavannahStar]

Thanks everyone for the info. Very strange case, huh?

I pray he is found.:1222423:

[ferretplay]

Here is the website for Tom

http://helpfindthemissing.org/thomas_smith.html

Thank you so very much HarlettOhara for the site.
Could any readers here please go to Tom's website,copy the link & send it to family & friends ? I have done this & suggested they send it to their family & friends. Thank you.
:missing: Carla

[sborla]

We have bloodhounds arriving tomorrow from MN, SD and ND to search for Tom. Dakota Territory Search Dogs. They have an excellent reputation. We are praying they find him.

[ferretplay]

We have bloodhounds arriving tomorrow from MN, SD and ND to search for Tom. Dakota Territory Search Dogs. They have an excellent reputation. We are praying they find him.
Am hoping you find something. I wish you good luck & praying for the best. If you need any help, let me know.
Carla

[Grande]

We have bloodhounds arriving tomorrow from MN, SD and ND to search for Tom. Dakota Territory Search Dogs. They have an excellent reputation. We are praying they find him.

Good to hear! My thoughts are with Tom's friends and family.

:1222423:

[ferretplay]

At this Forsyth link, you can read more about Tom.

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/forsyth-mt/TRELE94ACMUNSR4KK

As posted in the comments, the dogs did not find anything.

[Grande]

At this Forsyth link, you can read more about Tom.

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/forsyth-mt/TRELE94ACMUNSR4KK

As posted in the comments, the dogs did not find anything.

Thanks for the link ferret!

[ferretplay]

New article today in the Billings Gazette 1/8/2008

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/01/08/news/state/32-searchdog.txt

Dog team aids search for man
By LUELLA N. BRIEN
Of The Gazette Staff

The family of Thomas Smith has hired the Dakota Territory Search Dogs to help search for the missing Forsyth man.

The team headed up by Denny Adams, of Conde, S.D., traveled to Forsyth on Monday to begin a preliminary investigation, discussing the search process with the family and taking the dogs out to search the site where officials found Smith's Chevy Suburban.

"We are extremely pleased with his professional approach," Thomas' aunt, Sharon Borla, said of Adams. "We have every confidence in his ability to bring this to a close."

The Dakota Territory Search Dogs have taken up hundreds of cases, primarily criminal investigations, including the search for Olympic Park bombing suspect Eric Robert Rudolph. Rudolph was captured in Murphy, N.C., in May 2003 after one of the largest manhunts in U.S. history.

Picture & more article at link

How to help
Donations to help with expenses of the search may be sent to the Tom Smith Search Fund, First State Bank, P.O. Box 379, Forsyth, MT 59327.

:missing:

[LARD]

Ferretplay do you believe in psychics.

I talked to my psychic today about your friend TOM.

Send me a e-mail address. I have a map for you.

She is right most of the time. All I ask is you keep our names out

of it and you let us know the outcome... it helps with her psychic abilitys.....

WE WILL BE PRAYING

LARD

[Sumanadevii]

Ferretplay do you believe in psychics.

I talked to my psychic today about your friend TOM.

Send me a e-mail address. I have a map for you.

She is right most of the time. All I ask is you keep our names out

of it and you let us know the outcome... it helps with her psychic abilitys.....

WE WILL BE PRAYING

LARD

LARD...I talked to my psychic today about you.

Send me an e-mail address. I have a reality check for you.

She is right most of the time. All I ask is you keep our names out

ot it and you let us know the outcome...it helps with her psychic abilitiys...

We don't pray. We are just dead honest.

[LARD]

LARD...I talked to my psychic today about you.

Send me an e-mail address. I have a reality check for you.

She is right most of the time. All I ask is you keep our names out

ot it and you let us know the outcome...it helps with her psychic abilitiys...

We don't pray. We are just dead honest.



#1 WE HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN FROM THIS>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#2 WE ARE JUST TRYING TO HELP.................

#3 IF SHE IS WRONG , I AM VERY SORRY

#4 I WASN'T TALKING TO YOU>>>

#5 I WILL WAIT FOR FERRETPLAY

[Grande]

Be strong Tom, we are thinking about you daily!

[N6boys]

If LARD has relevent info on how to find Tom, please contact the local law enforcement from Forsyth, MT, info is posted on previous replys at this site. All help is greatly appreciated. HELP FIND AND BRING TOM HOME!

[ferretplay]

If LARD has relevent info on how to find Tom, please contact the local law enforcement from Forsyth, MT, info is posted on previous replys at this site. All help is greatly appreciated. HELP FIND AND BRING TOM HOME!

I have replied to LARD. I received the info & will go look in the area. As I posted before I went on the large search for Tom. My walking group did search in this particular area. I know the area well, it is very brushy in places. I will go back out there & look better. I don't know if LE or others around Forsyth would believe. I will give LE & a few others a call to see if they are interested.
As N6boys posted" All help is greatly appreciated." It will not hurt to search the area again. I am more than willing to do this. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

[sborla]

Thanks again so very much for all the support and prayers for Tom. I wanted to let everyone know that Denny Adams of Dakota Territory Search Dogs (bloodhounds) will be returning this Friday and is prepared to spend approximately two weeks continuing his investigation/search if necessary. We, Tom's family & friends, will continue to search as well. God Bless!

[Pauli]

I'm so glad they are able to bring the dogs back sborla. Hopefully they will be able to come up with something quickly.

[N6boys]

Ferretplay - thanks for searching with the "map". Our hopes and prayers are with you! Please keep us posted of the outcome.

LET'S BRING TOM HOME!

[Grande]

Here are a couple more images of the location Tom's truck was found;

http://i2.tinypic.com/8fe5ses.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/6yx67ux.jpg

Can anyone tell me where Tom's home is in relation to these maps?

[sborla]

Tom's home is approximately 1 1/2 mile southwest of the Country Club.

[Grande]

Tom's home is approximately 1 1/2 mile southwest of the Country Club.


Thank you. Then he would have likely been headed South on Smith Creek Road? Would that have been the most likely direction he would have walked?

[Grande]

Updated Satellite images;

http://i4.tinypic.com/6k6eqfo.jpg

http://i3.tinypic.com/6xkfokx.jpg

http://i6.tinypic.com/6okdmcz.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/7x0xlpw.jpg

http://i5.tinypic.com/80yzkhx.jpg

[sborla]

We feel he most likely would have walked southwest from where the vehicle was located, very likely across or just west of the Country Club. Dakota Territory Search Dogs will be here tonight. We're praying for success.

[Grande]

We feel he most likely would have walked southwest from where the vehicle was located, very likely across or just west of the Country Club. Dakota Territory Search Dogs will be here tonight. We're praying for success.

Good to hear, thanks for the update.

[Grande]

The Confounding Case of Tom Smith
11 January 2008 @ 12:24 am
By HFTM Staff Writer - Ghost Writer

http://helpfindthemissing.org/blog/

[awakening2lite]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p119/ferretplay/Picture010.jpg

The pin is where Tom's vehicle was found. Notice how close to interstate 94 or Old Highway 10E.The road his vehicle was found on is Smith Creek Road. Someone may have picked him up that night. The police were at his crash site within 4-5 minutes. How could he disappear so fast ?


I'm wondering the same thing. How busy was the hwy that evening, that time?
Do the LE have contact with the person who called in and reported seeing the vehicle leave the road and could that person report seeing any other vehicles on the road at the time?

[Claudia]

Did the dogs find anything at all yet? Are they still there searching?

[PatC]

This case has really captured my interest. First because the picture Ferretplay found shows such a nice looking, personable young man and next because it seems so strange that if LE arrived 4-5 minutes after the report of a car leaving the road the man had vanished!

If there were no foul play I can't believe the dogs would not have located him right away.... or were the dogs not brought in right away?

[sborla]

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/forsyth-mt/TRELE94ACMUNSR4KK

This link will take you to the site with more information on the way things have (or in most cases have NOT) been handled by law enforcement. Family & friends are still searching. Dogs have been brought in by the family. Every professional in the search dog field says LE should have called them in immediately -- never happened. LE was asked by family a week ago to check a security camera at a local convenience store (it shows street traffic) -- still hasn't happened. Family and investigator/dog handler checked it yesterday. This is an example how "involved" LE is.

[PatC]

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/forsyth-mt/TRELE94ACMUNSR4KK

This link will take you to the site with more information on the way things have (or in most cases have NOT) been handled by law enforcement. Family & friends are still searching. Dogs have been brought in by the family. Every professional in the search dog field says LE should have called them in immediately -- never happened. LE was asked by family a week ago to check a security camera at a local convenience store (it shows street traffic) -- still hasn't happened. Family and investigator/dog handler checked it yesterday. This is an example how "involved" LE is.

Shocking and disgusting!!!!

[N6boys]

The search continues today, Monday, for Tom. Everyone is beside themselves as to the way this search was handled from the start. Sharon and her family have had to take it upon themselves to continue this search without the cooporation of LE. A clear scent of Tom is vanishing quickly, as Denny, the dog haldler, suspected. I truly believe that media coverage would have demanded that the local LE stay on top of this search themselves, thus bringing in bloodhounds at a time when they were most needed and proven to be most successful. But, as proven, the family has had to do this themselves with costs coming out of their own pocket. Don't forget that an account has been set up at a local Forsyth bank to help defray these costs. That is just one less item that the family has to worry about!

Denny and his dogs are the best form of success this family has right now. I have contacted local and national media with no return contact. Maybe if county and state officials were notified of the ineptness of cooporation by LE, someone will most surely step up and ask, "How can we help?" There has to be a state rep., FBI, some form of assistance that could expedite this search with more hands on to help the family. Let us all contact anyone we can think of, become a pest until help is offered to the family. Sharon and her family CANNOT do this alone. They are doing all they can, but are becoming exhausted and frustrated with no leads.


Sharon, we are all praying for success today.

[Grande]

Our thoughts remain with Tom & his family!

[sborla]

It's been one month today since Tom disappeared, and we're no closer to an answer now than we were then. We are in the midst of a genuine Montana blizzard now and the long-term weather reports don't sound very good at all. Once the weather permits, we will resume our search efforts.

[Pauli]

I'm sorry to hear that sborla... I was hoping for some luck with the dogs being back.:1222423:

[Grande]

Thanks for the update sborla. Tom is in our thoughts and will remain so until there is closure for all.

Be safe.

[emmeblu]

After reading about Tom Smith's disappearance, I am baffled!
There is really no proof that it was Tom in his own vehicle when the eye-witness saw the vehicle leave the road. If LE showed up 4 min later, that just does not leave a lot of time for someone to just wander off.

Was the vehicle damaged badly when it went off the road? Was the vehicle going fast, slow? Were any other vehicles seen in the area?
Could it be possible he left on his own? Just a strange set of events. If a person is suffering from some kind of head injury or amnesia, he would have been on foot and most likely found fairly quickly if the search started immediately that night.

Praying Tom is found soon and safe.:1222423:




:bump:

[N6boys]

No, there is no proof that Tom was in his vehicle when it went into the ditch. Assumption--No damage was done to the vehicle, just hi-centered on a rock. All possibilities are being looked into. The weather in Forsyth is a blizzard so all search and rescue has been called off until weather permitting. Everyone is asking the same question, where did Tom go and why has he not been found yet. Denny Adams with Dakota Territory Search Dogs promises he will return and continue the search as soon as the snow stops blowing there.

Say a prayer for Tom and his family . . . it just might help!

NaNa

[PatC]

After reading about Tom Smith's disappearance, I am baffled!
There is really no proof that it was Tom in his own vehicle when the eye-witness saw the vehicle leave the road. If LE showed up 4 min later, that just does not leave a lot of time for someone to just wander off.

Was the vehicle damaged badly when it went off the road? Was the vehicle going fast, slow? Were any other vehicles seen in the area?
Could it be possible he left on his own? Just a strange set of events. If a person is suffering from some kind of head injury or amnesia, he would have been on foot and most likely found fairly quickly if the search started immediately that night.

Praying Tom is found soon and safe.:1222423:




:bump:

Good thinking. Of course I'd already thought how strange it was that someone could really disappear as fast as the reported time line would indicate, but I confess it didn't occur to me that it wasn't Mr. Smith in the vehicle. I'll keep praying for his safe return, of course, but now I see that something might have happened to him BEFORE the vehicle wrecked and possibly somewhere else.

Why oh why won't LE bring in search dogs IMMEDIATELY!!! So many questions could have been answered in this case if they had.

[sborla]

There was no immediate search that night. Family members were not notified until after 4:00 p.m. the following day (Tuesday), and no LE search efforts (other than driving the road with spotlights) in that area were conducted by LE until Wednesday. LE did not know where Tom lived until family was contacted late Tuesday afternoon. The vehicle and handgun were released (without being processed) to family that first week as "they were not needed" by LE. Witness who reported the vehicle in the ditch remained in the area until LE arrived. She reports that no other vehicles were observed. Vehicle was towed from the scene that night by LE and the area was not protected to preserve evidence. Local search and rescue has some sort of heat sensing device which could have followed footprints within the first few hours had LE chosen to utilize their services. Bloodhound tracker who is used by the state prison could have been here "within 5 hours" had he been contacted by LE and "could easily have tracked him within the first 48 hours." Hindsight........

[Grande]

Sborla,

Can you tell us anything about Tom's associates and the establishment he was at prior to the truck being discovered? Did he frequent this place?

Thank you for the updates. We will continue to support your cause no matter how long it takes.

[PinkPony]

Sborla,

Can you tell us anything about Tom's associates and the establishment he was at prior to the truck being discovered? Did he frequent this place?

Thank you for the updates. We will continue to support your cause no matter how long it takes.

I was going to ask the same thing,Grande. Where was Tom coming from?
Since the dogs didn't pick up a scent where Tom's vehicle went in the ditch, I think he probably wasn't driving it.
I've been reading the Topix posts and am really angry that LE chose not to follow up on this. If I were them I would be ashamed that someone else is out doing their job.

Sborla my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you get some answers soon.

PP

[sborla]

We have never been informed (other than gossip) who Tom was "with" that night. This is a small town and most everyone knows everyone else. We were told (not by LE) there was a "suspicious person" wandering through a parking lot adjacent to the one where Tom was parked (in town) that night. Who knows?? We were told that the last place he was seen was outside the Ironhorse Saloon walking across the street toward the bank parking lot (where his vehicle was evidently parked). Tom played pool and darts (and consumed beer) for many years so yes, he was familiar to most any local persons in the bars in Forsyth. We (family) do not feel that vehicle and the handgun should have ever been released by LE without being "processed." Too late.....again!

[Grande]

We have never been informed (other than gossip) who Tom was "with" that night. This is a small town and most everyone knows everyone else. We were told (not by LE) there was a "suspicious person" wandering through a parking lot adjacent to the one where Tom was parked (in town) that night. Who knows?? We were told that the last place he was seen was outside the Ironhorse Saloon walking across the street toward the bank parking lot (where his vehicle was evidently parked). Tom played pool and darts (and consumed beer) for many years so yes, he was familiar to most any local persons in the bars in Forsyth. We (family) do not feel that vehicle and the handgun should have ever been released by LE without being "processed." Too late.....again!

Thank you for the details.

Tom remains in my daily thoughts!

[N6boys]

I just received an e-mail from Sborla asking me to read a petition that involves search and rescue procedures called "Molly's Law". The website is:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/MollyLaw/

If you can't click on the website here, just copy and paste into your browser and go that route. Please read this petition . . . had this been in place when Tom disappeared, he may have been found already. Thanx for taking the time to do this, all the help Tom's family can get is very important!!

Sharon from Ritzville, WA

[Grande]

I just received an e-mail from Sborla asking me to read a petition that involves search and rescue procedures called "Molly's Law". The website is:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/MollyLaw/

If you can't click on the website here, just copy and paste into your browser and go that route. Please read this petition . . . had this been in place when Tom disappeared, he may have been found already. Thanx for taking the time to do this, all the help Tom's family can get is very important!!

Sharon from Ritzville, WA


Hi Sharon. There is some more information on Molly's Law here as well;

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15

Many of us have already signed the petition. One of the main advocates is a close associate of ours and has done some tremendous work in that field.

We continue to have hope for Tom's safe return!

[ferretplay]

I had to take a time out. With Tom still missing, seems everyday somebody else goes missing, just so sad. Winter time here is so pretty, except harsh conditions come with it.
I didn't get out to search again. I still plan to, when the weather gets better. I do know some people have been to the area I was going to, since I was last here.
I signed the petition long ago & think it is very good idea.
Take care all.:missing:

[emmeblu]

:bump:Checking back in to see if there is anything new on finding Tom. I know the winter weather out that way is rough right now. Sending up lots of prayers for Tom and the family.

[Grande]

:bump:Checking back in to see if there is anything new on finding Tom. I know the winter weather out that way is rough right now. Sending up lots of prayers for Tom and the family.

I will join you in those thoughts and prayers.

To Tom and his friends and family from all of us here at HFTM > :1222423:

[sborla]

My brother and I rode horseback over the weekend in an effort to search for Tom. Weather conditions are such that it's pretty much fruitless. Temperatures remain below freezing and we have too much snow. They are predicting more snow over the next several days. It's very frustrating for us not to be able to do anything.

[emmeblu]

My brother and I rode horseback over the weekend in an effort to search for Tom. Weather conditions are such that it's pretty much fruitless. Temperatures remain below freezing and we have too much snow. They are predicting more snow over the next several days. It's very frustrating for us not to be able to do anything.


:1222423:Bless you and your brother in your search efforts. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to search in those kind of weather conditions. Will continue to pray there will be a break in Tom's case.

[Grande]

Sborla,

I wish I could be there to search with you. I couldn't get to sleep thinking about Tom last night and how difficult this must be on the community of family and friends that are seeking answers. I pray that Tom is safe and returns home soon.

:1222423:

[PinkPony]

:bump: I wish we would hear some good news about Tom.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

PP

[ferretplay]

The weather here is impossible. First terrible cold weather, then snow, was raining last night & terrible winds today. Not much goes on here when the winter weather hits. Praying & thinking of Tom,his family & friends.:1222423:

[sborla]

Today is exactly two months since Tom's disappearance. We miss him so much. It's cold and windy today and we received a little more snow overnight. Hopefully the weather will warm up soon so that we may resume our search efforts.

[Pauli]

I do wish we could get some news on Tom... sborla I have added Tom's pix to myspace... we are trying to get him as much exposure as we can. I wish there was more we could do to help you find him. :1222423:

[N6boys]

Not a day goes by that I don't think of Tom. Hopefully the weather in Forsyth will give a little so Search & Rescue can continue. Posts are getting fewer and farther inbetween . . . let's not forget about Tom. Prayers are the only thing right now that can help until searching can begin again. Sharon, I am thinking of you daily, too. My thoughts and support are with you.

NaNa

[sborla]

Weather permitting, some of us (family & friends) plan to search tomorrow in areas where the snow has melted.

[SavannahStar]

Weather permitting, some of us (family & friends) plan to search tomorrow in areas where the snow has melted.


Good luck to you! :1222423:

[PatC]

Just dropped in hoping to see some progress.

I don't know why, but this case has really grabbed my heart. I guess because I quickly became so enraged that search dogs weren't brought in IMMEDIATELY in a case where he had only been gone such a short time before he was missed.

:1222423: Tom

[sborla]

Thanks so much to all who continue to offer support and words of encouragement! We, family and friends, still continue searching as time and weather permit while we await the arrival again of the search dogs. We searched Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and Sunday until noon. Still no luck. Our weather is very unsettled but it is warming up gradually. We still have snow/ice in some canyon bottoms and shady north slopes. Today is three months since Tom's disappearance. It's not a very happy St. Patrick's Day for his family and friends.

[Pauli]

sborla Tom and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. :1222423:

[Grande]

We will be thinking about you as you search sborla. If there's anything we can do to help, please let us know.

[N6boys]

3 months have passed with no info on Tom. Weather has permitted the searching to continue .. dogs and their handlers will be there, so hope some progress is made. Keep the thoughts and prayers of safe searching for Sharon B. and her family. I have posted on several "trucker sites" with info of Tom hoping someone picked him up. No news so far. All our donated funds have helped immensely to keep search dogs & teams active. Townfolk are pitching in with waves of support - let's do the same, OK? This isn't over until Tom is found & brought home. Alumni weekend in Ritzville, WA is just around the corner, let's hope talk is positive for that event with the class of '87 ...

NaNa

[Pauli]

I hope they have some hope with the dogs and searching this time.. Tom will be in my thoughts and prayers :1222423:

[Grande]

Our thoughts are with Tom's family and friends.

:1222423:

[emmeblu]

:1222423:I think about Tom and his family often and still pray that he will be found safe.

[Searcher]

My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family. This sounds more and more like the Olson case in North Dakota about 3 years ago. Why does the LE in Eastern Montana not do their jobs? I also feel Tom was not driving the vechicle.

[Grande]

My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family. This sounds more and more like the Olson case in North Dakota about 3 years ago. Why does the LE in Eastern Montana not do their jobs? I also feel Tom was not driving the vechicle.

Searcher,

Our thoughts are with Tom's family as well!

Can you tell us more about the Olson case you referred to?

Nice to have you here.

[Searcher]

First let me say, I hope and pray this case turns out differently. The Olson's, an elderly couple from Hettinger ND, disappeared from their home. The LE would not make it national news, botched the investigation, did not investigate clues.. including the sighting of the Olson's care 160 miles from where it was found, the whole case still stinks of a cover up, search dogs were brought in to a remote area and some time later the wife was found in an abondoned house. Search dogs later found the husband in the same abondoned house! Numerous details of this case never made the newspapers, if they had maybe the fbi or someone would have helped. The last I heard about this was the LE ruined all evidence and wrote it off as a murder/suicide. I would like to put that Sheriff on a stand and have him explain how he came to that conclussion. Searchers found it difficult to climb into the attic of that house and we are to believe an elderly man did (more details of this are available but disturbing).

Again, I pray the outcome of Tom's case will be different.

[N6boys]

I, too, would like more info on the Olson case from North Dakota. Is it similar to this one? Any info would be helpful. Please keep in touch, OK?

NaNa

[Searcher]

Also, about 3 years ago a man went missing on a cross-country drive. He was known to have been in Baker, Mt. LE there talked to the man, the LE denied this until cell phone records showed the man had been in Baker and told a relative in a phone call he had spoken with the LE. The fact this man was missing was also kept out of the news for some time. A few days after the family got the news in the paper, the man's pickup was found in a ravine between Baker and Miles City. Funny how no one saw the tracks going off the road for weeks. Had they been there for weeks?
Believe me, all is not as it appears in Eastern Montana; especially with the LE

[Grande]

Wow, that's interesting, what a shame.

I certainly hope that's not the case here. I think of Tom often, I can't imagine what his family must be going through.

If you happen to know the details of any upcoming search efforts let us know and we will do an annoucement and help spread the word.

[N6boys]

Thanx "searcher" for your info. I also feel that LE botched any clues to Tom's disappearance and whereabouts. So sad the whole situation is messed up. With any luck, Tom will be found and brought home.

NaNa

[Grande]

Just say the word, and we will gladly help coordinate an effort to help generate awareness. If there is anything else we can do in the meantime, let us know.

[sborla]

Weather permitting, there will be another extensive all-out search for Tom April 17th through 21st. Rosebud County Search & Rescue (not affiliated with local LE) and High Country Search Dogs are coordinating the search efforts and plan to cover a large area with at least 10 dog teams. Our (family) task between now and then is to make arrangements for lodging, meals, stand-by veterinarian, transportation, etc. This will keep us busy. My dear friend Wanda (Forsyth Country Club Manager) has agreed to allow us to base the search efforts from the Club property. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful, caring friends! Our prayers are that this all-out effort will bring us to closure. Thanks to all of you for your continuing concern, support and prayers!

[Roamer]

We wish you the very best in your search!

[Pauli]

sborla our hearts and prayers are with Tom, you and the rest of your family:1222423:

[Grande]

Best of luck to those who will be involved in the search effort.

Thank you for the update sborla, if we can be of any assistance please let us know.

:1222423:

[sborla]

http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/17717129.html

[Nut44x4]

Missing Forsyth
man found dead
By The Gazette Staff

The body of a Forsyth man missing since December was found today.

Rosebud County Sheriff Randy Allies said searchers found the body of 39-year-old Thomas Smith in a slough about one mile west of Forsyth at 2 p.m.

Smith was last seen leaving a Forsyth bar and was reported missing on Dec. 17 after his Suburban went off the road and into a ditch about five miles west of Forsyth. A passing motorist witnessed the crash and called 911. A Rosebud County Sheriff's deputy arrived just four minutes after the emergency call was made, but could not locate Smith.

Previous searches by friends, family, search and rescue teams and even a group of search dogs from South Dakota did not yield any clues about Smith's disappearance.

Allies said search teams were walking along the banks of the slough when the body was found. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, "to look for signs of foul play," Allies said.
http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/04/14/news/state/17-forsyth.txt

[Faith]

Missing Forsyth man found dead

Associated Press - April 14, 2008 11:24 PM ET

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Searchers have found the body of a Forsyth man who's been missing since December.

Rosebud County Sheriff Randy Allies said the body of 39-year-old Thomas Smith was found Monday afternoon about a mile west of Forsyth.

Smith was last seen leaving a bar on Dec. 17 and was reported missing after his vehicle crashed into a ditch about five miles west of Forsyth. A passing motorist saw the crash and called 911. A sheriff's deputy arrived soon after the emergency call was made, but could not locate Smith.

Allies said an autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday.

RIP Tom :1222423:

[ferretplay]

:1222423:RIP Tom:1187603408.CR.Mothe

[Roamer]

My condolences to his family. It's been a long, hard wait for them.

RIP Tom..... :1222423:

[Grande]

May Tom finally rest in peace. My prayers are will be with Tom's friends and family as they lay him to rest.

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

:1222423:

[packy]

My condolences to the family.

:1222423:

[Pauli]

Words, however kind,
can't mend your heartache.
But those who care and
share your loss wish you
comfort and peace of mind.
May you find strength
in the love of family,
and in the warm embrace
of friends.

Deepest Sympathy
:1222423::1222423::1222423:

[Nut44x4]

That is beautiful Harlett :1187603408.CR.Mothe

[ferretplay]

I was so hoping Tom was alive somewhere,anywhere,needing time to himself. Tom was kind,down to earth,caring,peaceful,good natured, a good friend to many. He will be missed & remembered.
:1222423:For Tom
:1222423:For SBorla,family & friends

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

[Grande]

Smith Autopsy
Story Updated: Apr 15, 2008 at 7:40 PM MDT

BILLINGS - Officials have part of a mystery solved, they now know a missing Forsyth man has died, but they don't know how.

An autopsy is under way for a Forsyth man whose body was found after he went missing three months ago. Officials say 39-year old Tom Smith's body was discovered in the Yellowstone River west of Forsyth.

Smith was first reported missing on December 17, 2007. Officials recovered his vehicle but after a week of looking called off the search.

http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/17761594.html

[Searcher]

Coroner: Missing man drowned
By Gazette News Services

Ryan Tooke, Rosebud County coroner, said an autopsy performed this week showed that Thomas Smith, 39, drowned. Tooke said there were no signs of foul play. Smith's body was found in a slough about a mile west of Forsyth on Monday. Smith was reported missing on Dec. 17 after his Suburban went off the road and into a ditch about five miles west of Forsyth.

Funeral services for Smith are set for 7 p.m. today in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth.

[Roamer]

Thank you for the update, Searcher.

[PatC]

My condolences to the family. :1222423:

Did I miss it in the reports? How far from the accident site was he found?

[Roamer]

Tom Smith's body was discovered in the Yellowstone River west of Forsyth.

[Nut44x4]

We followed this so closly...I thought some of you may want to read his Guest book from Legacy.com.
Guest Book for Thomas Joe Smith:
http://www.legacy.com/BillingsGazette/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=107703441

[ferretplay]

We followed this so closly...I thought some of you may want to read his Guest book from Legacy.com.
Guest Book for Thomas Joe Smith:
http://www.legacy.com/BillingsGazette/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=107703441

:1222423:Thank you for the link. Went there & signed it. I sent an email to our local paper here in Forsyth asking them to put the info in our paper, so local people will go sign. Thank you, again.
:1222423:For Tom,family & friends

[ferretplay]

:1222423:Missing Forsyth Man Drowned
A missing man found in the Yellowstone River Monday drowned, said Rosebud County Officials.

BILLINGS - A missing man found in the Yellowstone River Monday drowned, said Rosebud County Officials. Ryan Tooke, county coroner, released the preliminary autopsy results for Tom Smith, 39, Thursday morning.

Smith was missing since December 17 in Forsyth. His body was pulled from the river west of town Monday. Tooke said no foul play is suspected. Toxicology results are pending
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24192354/

Body of Missing Forsyth Man Recovered
The body of a man missing since December of last year has been found. Rose Bud County Sheriff, Randy Allies, said one of his deputies and a fish and game warden recovered the body of 39-year-old Tom Smith

BILLINGS - The body of a man missing since December of last year has been found.

Rose Bud County Sheriff, Randy Allies, said one of his deputies and a fish and game warden recovered the body of 39-year-old Tom Smith Monday from the Yellowstone River about one mile west of Forsyth.

Smith's pickup was found in a ditch on December 17th on Smith's Creek Road. Sheriff Allies said they were unable to check the river at the time he went missing because it was frozen over.

An autopsy will be performed Tuesday to determine cause of death.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24119049/
:1222423:

[emmeblu]

:1187603408.CR.MotheI have not been on the boards in a while (helping my sister move) and this was one of the first threads I checked. It took me a while to find the update. Shocked and sad. I had so hoped that Tom just needed some time away from the everyday and would turn up safe.

:1222423:RIP Tom

[Peanutgallery39]

I have been following this from the start and a lot of people were on the Law Enforcement "LE" for not doing their jobs. I can't believe that people don't have more confidence in their "cops". I believe the story was that the cops did find Thomas Smith. It is sad, but who wants to take responsibility for their actions. I'm not saying Thomas Smith was doing anything illegal, but why didn't he stay around. Everyone want's to blame someone, and the cops get paid the big bucks, so why don't we just blame them. If they started a missing person's investigation on everyone who left their vehicle, well, we might as well plan on our taxes going up just to afford the overtime or the extra person assigned to the task. If people want to volunteer for this job I'm sure they, (LE) will start a list for those who want to take the late night calls. I'm glad that Thomas Smith was found for the family's sake, I couldn't imagine having to go thru that. Just remember that there was a lot of finger pointing going on and this of course is just a spot for people to vent their comments.

[ferretplay]

I don't blame anybody. Accidents happen & are always "a lot what ifs" all around.
I just want to say thank you to everybody here. Thank you for your caring, help,interest,concern & humanity. This group of people here, makes me feel that no one is alone, someone really cares.
Thank you,all :1222423:

[Smoochie]

:1222423:Missing Forsyth Man Drowned
A missing man found in the Yellowstone River Monday drowned, said Rosebud County Officials.

BILLINGS - A missing man found in the Yellowstone River Monday drowned, said Rosebud County Officials. Ryan Tooke, county coroner, released the preliminary autopsy results for Tom Smith, 39, Thursday morning.

Smith was missing since December 17 in Forsyth. His body was pulled from the river west of town Monday. Tooke said no foul play is suspected. Toxicology results are pending
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24192354/

Body of Missing Forsyth Man Recovered
The body of a man missing since December of last year has been found. Rose Bud County Sheriff, Randy Allies, said one of his deputies and a fish and game warden recovered the body of 39-year-old Tom Smith

BILLINGS - The body of a man missing since December of last year has been found.

Rose Bud County Sheriff, Randy Allies, said one of his deputies and a fish and game warden recovered the body of 39-year-old Tom Smith Monday from the Yellowstone River about one mile west of Forsyth.

Smith's pickup was found in a ditch on December 17th on Smith's Creek Road. Sheriff Allies said they were unable to check the river at the time he went missing because it was frozen over.

An autopsy will be performed Tuesday to determine cause of death.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24119049/
:1222423:

It says above that Sheriff Allies said they were unable to check the river at the time he went missing because it was "frozen" over ... well, if it were frozen at the time he disappeared ... how did he get in it? Should he not have been on top of the frozen water if it were frozen? From what I've read I wouldn't trust the law enforcement there.

I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo very, very, very, sad and sorry for the family and friends of Tom! You'll be in my prayers!

Hugs,
Smoochie

[Searcher]

Unless it was unusually warm in December, everything would have been frozen in Forsyth, Montana. I don't think Tom could have drowned in water.

[nanabillie]

I have been following this from the start and a lot of people were on the Law Enforcement "LE" for not doing their jobs. I can't believe that people don't have more confidence in their "cops". I believe the story was that the cops did find Thomas Smith. It is sad, but who wants to take responsibility for their actions. I'm not saying Thomas Smith was doing anything illegal, but why didn't he stay around. Everyone wants to blame someone, and the cops get paid the big bucks, so why don't we just blame them. If they started a missing person's investigation on everyone who left their vehicle, well, we might as well plan on our taxes going up just to afford the overtime or the extra person assigned to the task. If people want to volunteer for this job I'm sure they, (LE) will start a list for those who want to take the late night calls. I'm glad that Thomas Smith was found for the family's sake, I couldn't imagine having to go Thur that. Just remember that there was a lot of finger pointing going on and this of course is just a spot for people to vent their comments.

I haven't followed this case closely but reading that cops make big buck I just have to comment. Unless your town is different from ours, they don't.
In our town, a sargent. with the Sheriff's office makes less than $30,000. a year.
That is including overtime. Insurance is what keeps most of them working.
And most have two jobs. I know you were not blaming the LE. Just had to put my 1 cents worth in. Can't afford 2 cents worth.